Back to DashboardMaintaining oral hygiene is important.
Dry mouth can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating and drinking.
Common Causes of Dry Mouth/Discomfort - Pain
Mouth Care
What You Can Do
Do not stop any medications without asking Hospice Team
Check if dentures still fit, may not as illness progresses
Keep dentures clean
Keep lips moist - Chapstick, Vaseline
Xylimelts™ (available at Walgreens, Amazon)
Discuss with Hospice Team if it is ok to use a humidifier in the room if the air is too dry
Medications
While there is a long list of medications that can dry out the mouth, it is very important to not stop any medications without asking the Hospice Team
There are mouth swabs that are available to clean mouth when brushing teeth becomes difficult. Ask Hospice Team
If infection is found, there are often safe and effective medications
What to discuss with the Hospice Team
Is the patient dehydrated? Is it ok to give more fluids
Have team check to see if there is an infection &/or mouth sores
You are concerned about possible medication side effects and want to know if any should be stopped or decreased
