Dry Mouth and Ageing

Dry mouth is not an inevitable consequence of getting older - but it becomes significantly more common with age. Research suggests that as many as nine out of ten adults over the age of 65 are affected, and medication is the primary reason.

Older adults are more likely to be taking multiple prescribed medications. The more medications a person takes, the greater the cumulative effect on saliva production - taking more than one medication per day can increase oral dryness by up to 40%. Many of the drugs most commonly prescribed to older adults - including antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines and bladder medications - all list dry mouth as a known side effect.

How Dry Mouth Affects Older Adults

The effects of dry mouth in older people can be wide-ranging and, cumulatively, debilitating:

  • Gum recession and elevated risk of root caries - the roots of teeth exposed by receding gums are especially vulnerable to decay in a dry oral environment
  • Sensitivity - hot, cold and sweet foods may become uncomfortable
  • Mouth feels burning or sore, particularly after eating
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking - impacting nutrition, social eating and conversation
  • Problems with denture retention - saliva plays a key role in keeping dentures stable; without it, dentures may become loose, sore and unreliable
  • Increased risk of oral infections, ulcers and bad breath

Beyond the physical effects, dry mouth can significantly affect social confidence - making meals, conversations and social occasions less enjoyable, and in some cases leading to withdrawal.
XyliMelts Dry Mouth - Mild Mint Flavour

How XyliMelts can help

  • 100% natural formulation with no known contra-indications - safe to use alongside all prescribed medications, including complex multi-drug regimens
  • Easy to apply with minimal dexterity required - press to the gum and leave; no spraying, measuring or rinsing
  • Helps maintain denture stability by keeping the oral tissues moist and lubricated
  • Restores comfort when eating, speaking and swallowing - supporting better nutrition and social engagement
  • Long-lasting relief - each disc provides hours of continuous moisture, reducing the need for constant water drinking
  • Protects against tooth decay and gum disease - critical in a population where oral health problems can compound quickly
  • Discreet - invisible when in place, meaning there is no social stigma or inconvenience
  • Suitable for overnight use - maintaining oral moisture through the night without waking to drink water

Using XyliMelts at Night

Many older adults wake multiple times each night to drink water due to dry mouth. This pattern of disrupted sleep - while often accepted as ‘just part of getting older’ - is not inevitable.

XyliMelts applied at bedtime provide continuous overnight moisture, reducing or eliminating the need to wake for water.

Better sleep has well-documented benefits for cardiovascular health, cognitive function and general wellbeing in older adults. It is a small change with a potentially significant impact.