Many people with advanced illness will experience an uncomfortably dry mouth. A regular mouth care routine should be followed three to four times a day and more often if the person requires. Following a routine will help keep the person more comfortable, but will also help ensure that medication given under the tongue can be properly absorbed.

 

Everyday Mouth Care

• If possible, continue to brush, floss and rinse the mouth as normal.
   
• If normal brushing isn’t possible, there are options to take the place of a toothbrush and paste. Small toothettes, moistened with water, can be used to clean and moisten the mouth. These bits of sponge come on individually wrapped sticks that can be bought in health care stores, or may be available in a hospice or hospital.
   
• Dentures should continue to be removed and cleaned on a regular basis. If the person has lost weight, dentures may not fill well anymore, causing discomfort. Some people choose to leave their dentures out for this reason.
  
   

Dry Mouth

• Dry lips can be moistened with petroleum jelly. Health care stores may also carry a product that can be sprayed as a fine mist to moisten the mouth.
   
• Some people like to suck on ice chips or chew gum to relieve a dry mouth.
   
• If the person is able to drink, keep liquids nearby at all times. If the person cannot safely swallow, they should not be given fluids, as even small amounts of water or liquid can lead to choking. If the person is unconscious, family and friends can use toothettes to moisten the mouth with water.
   
• Avoid rinsing the mouth with mouthwash that contains alcohol, which is drying to the mouth. Be sure to check commercial brands as most do contain alcohol.
   
• If the person’s room is very dry, a humidifier may help relieve some of the dryness in the mouth.

Content reviewed August 2009