Posted on February 13, 2026
If you’re a senior—or caring for one—in St. Catharines, you may have noticed a troubling trend: teeth that seemed fine for decades suddenly develop cavities, sensitivity, or even break down rapidly. One of the most common (and overlooked) reasons is dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia.
Dry mouth is not just uncomfortable. For older adults, it can quietly become one of the biggest threats to long-term oral health. Understanding the causes of dry mouth and its treatment is essential to preventing painful, costly dental problems later in life.
At Creekview Dental, we see this every day among seniors in the Niagara region—and the good news is that there are ways to protect your smile.
Why Our Mouths Get Drier as We Age
Aging alone doesn’t automatically cause dry mouth, but it does make it more likely.
As we get older:
- Salivary glands may become less efficient
- Chronic health conditions become more common
- Medication use increases significantly
Many seniors in St. Catharines are managing conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, anxiety, or chronic pain. These conditions—and especially their treatments—often reduce saliva flow.
Common xerostomia symptoms include:
- A sticky or dry feeling in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Burning sensations on the tongue
- Changes in taste
- Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth
Unfortunately, many seniors assume these symptoms are “just part of aging” and don’t mention them at dental visits—allowing damage to progress unnoticed.
The “Medication Link”: Blood Pressure, Anxiety, and Pain Meds
One of the biggest contributors to dry mouth in seniors is medication side effects affecting teeth.
More than 500 medications list dry mouth as a side effect, including:
- Blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs
- Pain medications (including opioids)
- Sleep aids
- Allergy medications
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s treatments
If you’re taking multiple prescriptions—which is common among retirees in St. Catharines—the drying effect can compound dramatically.
This doesn’t mean you should stop taking necessary medication. It does mean your dental care needs to adapt to this new risk level.
Why Saliva Is Your Teeth’s Best Friend (And What Happens Without It)
Saliva does far more than keep your mouth comfortable.
Healthy saliva:
- Neutralizes acids produced by bacteria
- Washes away food particles
- Supplies minerals that strengthen enamel
- Helps prevent fungal and bacterial infections
When saliva is reduced, teeth are left exposed to constant acid attacks. This is why we see root decay in seniors—often progressing rapidly and without pain until it’s advanced.
Unlike cavities in younger adults, dry-mouth-related decay often:
- Forms along the gumline
- Spreads under existing fillings or crowns
- Weakens teeth from the inside
This is a major reason older adults ask, “Why do my teeth rot faster now that I’m older?” The answer is often xerostomia.
Top Tips to Manage Dry Mouth at Home
While professional care is important, daily habits make a big difference in preventing cavities in older adults.
Hydration Hacks
Drinking water does help dry mouth—but timing matters.
Try:
- Frequent small sips throughout the day
- Water at bedside overnight
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which worsen dryness
- Using a humidifier while sleeping
Sugary drinks, juices, and sports drinks may feel soothing, but they dramatically increase decay risk.
Best Over-the-Counter Products (Biotene, Xylitol)
Many seniors ask about saliva substitutes. Products like Biotene can be helpful, but they’re not the only option.
Look for:
- Alcohol-free mouth rinses
- Xylitol-based gums or lozenges
- Saliva sprays or gels
Xylitol is especially beneficial because it helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria. If Biotene doesn’t work well for you, ask your dentist about a Biotene alternative that better suits your needs.
Professional Treatments for High-Risk Seniors
For seniors with significant dry mouth, at-home care alone may not be enough.
At Creekview Dental, we often recommend:
- Prescription-strength fluoride to protect weakened enamel
- More frequent dental checkups for early detection
- Customized preventive plans based on medication use
- Gentle restorative treatments when decay is caught early
For patients with dentures, dry mouth can also cause irritation, soreness, and instability—another reason professional monitoring is essential. Yes, dry mouth can cause dentures to fit poorly over time.
If you’re a caregiver for a senior in St. Catharines, proactive dental visits can prevent emergencies that are far harder to manage later.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can dry mouth cause dentures to fit poorly?
A. Yes. Reduced saliva increases friction and irritation, which can make dentures uncomfortable and unstable. - Does drinking water help dry mouth?
A. It helps temporarily, but it doesn’t replace saliva’s protective function. Additional treatments are usually needed. - Why do my teeth rot faster now that I’m older?
A. Dry mouth from medications, combined with exposed root surfaces and reduced saliva, dramatically increases decay risk.
Protecting Senior Smiles in St. Catharines
With a large and growing retiree population, senior dental care in St. Catharines needs to go beyond basic cleanings. Dry mouth is one of the most damaging—and most manageable—risk factors when caught early.
Whether you’re a senior noticing new symptoms or a caregiver trying to prevent bigger problems, awareness is the first step.
Feeling dry? Ask us about prescription-strength fluoride to protect your teeth.
You can also learn more about preventive visits on our Regular Checkups page or explore treatment options through Restorative Dentistry if damage has already started.
For additional guidance, the Canadian Dental Association provides helpful information on seniors’ oral health and xerostomia.
Contact Creekview Dental today!
At Creekview Dental, we’re proud to support healthy, comfortable smiles for seniors throughout St. Catharines and the Niagara region—because aging should never mean giving up your teeth. Contact us today to book your next appointment.