A dry mouth can be caused by decreased fluid intake, decreased saliva, mouth breathing, using oxygen, some medications, and some treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.  The lips and mouth are very sensitive and can become uncomfortable when dry.  Keeping the mouth and lips moist and clean can help provide comfort and help prevent infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Mouth

Check the mouth daily for the following signs and symptoms of dry mouth:

• dried, flaky, whitish colored saliva in the mouth
• thick, saliva or mucus that stays attached to the lips like strings
• dry, cracked or chapped lips
• difficulty swallowing

What You Can Do

• Clean mouth and lips with a soft toothbrush or mouth swabs every morning, after meals, and at bedtime.
• Avoid abrasive and alcohol based mouth rinses. You may want to use a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to rinse the mouth.
• Drink fluids with meals, after meals, and between meals.
• Eat cold, soft, bland foods, such as popsicles, shaved or crushed ice, frozen juices, and ice cream if able.
• If swallowing is difficult, place ice chips or frozen juices in washcloth and suck on the washcloth.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, rough foods such as hard bread, toast, crackers, potato chips, or pretzels, spicy foods and citrus juices that can cause irritation.
• Suck on sugarless gum or hard candy.
• Rinse mouth frequently with water.
• Do not lick lips; that can cause drying and chapping.
• Apply non-petroleum lip balm to lips every two hours.
• If the mouth remains dry and uncomfortable, ask your Home Care and Hospice team and or doctor about artificial saliva and other treatments that may help.

Call your Home Care and Hospice team if you notice anything unusual, including:

• increase mouth pain or discomfort
• sores in the mouth
• bleeding gums, rash, or pinpoint dots on the mouth or tongue
• odors
• drainage
• white patches on the tongue or inside the mouth

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If you have any questions or concerns about dry mouth or notice any unusual symptoms, please call your Suburban Hospice, Inc. at any time at 833-888-7222. We want to be responsive to your needs and concerns.