Understanding Why do old people make so many noises with their mouths?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, dry mouth is a prevalent issue affecting many older adults. This common condition, alongside other physiological shifts, offers critical insight into why do old people make so many noises with their mouths.

Quick Summary

Various age-related factors, including decreased saliva production, weakened oral muscles, ill-fitting dental prosthetics, and certain medical conditions like dysphagia or dementia, contribute to the frequent and varied mouth noises some seniors produce. Many of these sounds are involuntary or serve a functional purpose.

Key Points

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Decreased saliva from medications, dehydration, or disease is a leading cause of smacking and clicking sounds.

• Weakened Oral Muscles: As muscles in the mouth and throat lose strength, control over chewing, swallowing, and saliva diminishes, contributing to unintended noises.

• Dental Issues: Ill-fitting dentures or significant tooth loss can cause clicking, shifting, and subconscious movements to compensate for the change in oral structure.

• Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia): Problems with swallowing, often due to neurological conditions, can result in gurgling or a wet-sounding voice after eating or drinking.

• Neurological Conditions: Involuntary mouth movements, or hyperorality, can be symptoms of certain conditions like tardive dyskinesia or frontotemporal dementia.

• Compassion is Key: Mouth noises are typically involuntary and should be approached with understanding rather than frustration. Addressing the underlying medical or physiological causes is the most helpful response.

The Physiological Underpinnings of Age-Related Mouth Sounds

Aging is a natural process that brings about a variety of physiological changes throughout the body, including the oral cavity and surrounding structures. Many of the mouth noises observed in older adults are not a sign of disrespect or malice, but rather an unconscious symptom of these shifts.

The Role of Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

One of the most common culprits behind mouth noises is dry mouth, or xerostomia. With less saliva to lubricate the mouth and throat, friction increases, which can create clicking, smacking, or sucking sounds. A dry mouth can result from:

• Medication side effects: Many prescription drugs for common age-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety, list dry mouth as a side effect. The more medications a person takes, the higher the risk.
• Dehydration: Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration, which directly reduces saliva production.
• Medical conditions: Diseases like diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome can lead to chronic dry mouth.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking and alcohol consumption can also dry out the mouth.

Weakened Oral and Facial Muscles

As we age, our muscles can lose strength and tone, including those in the mouth, tongue, and throat. This weakening can lead to:

• Poor control over saliva: The inability to manage or swallow saliva effectively can lead to smacking or gurgling sounds.
• Involuntary movements: Some neurological changes can cause involuntary mouth movements, a condition known as tardive dyskinesia, which can manifest as chewing or smacking motions without food. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) can also cause hyperorality, a compulsion to put objects in the mouth or make repeated mouth gestures.

Changes in Sensory Perception

The sensitivity of nerve endings in the mouth can diminish with age, leading to reduced tactile sensation. This can make it harder for an individual to feel when their mouth is dry or to sense food and liquid during chewing and swallowing, prompting them to make noises to get a better sense of where things are in their mouth.

Dental and Oral Health Factors

Issues with teeth and dental prosthetics are major contributors to mouth noises in the elderly.

Ill-Fitting Dentures and Bridges

For seniors with dentures, a poor fit can be a source of persistent clicking or smacking sounds. Loose dentures can shift around while chewing or talking, causing them to click against the gums or roof of the mouth. Changes in gum and jaw structure over time often necessitate refitting or replacing dentures.

Consequences of Tooth Loss

Even without dentures, significant tooth loss can cause a senior to make new mouth noises. The jaw and mouth muscles may move subconsciously to compensate for the missing structure, creating a variety of clicking or gum-smacking sounds as a person tries to find a feeling of equilibrium.

Neurological and Systemic Conditions

Some of the more pronounced mouth sounds may be symptoms of underlying health conditions.

Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common issue for older adults, affecting up to 15% of the senior population. A gurgling or wet-sounding voice after drinking or eating is a key symptom. This can be caused by weakened throat muscles, neurological disorders like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or dementia, and can lead to aspirating food or liquid into the lungs.

Acid Reflux

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a type of silent reflux, can cause stomach acid to irritate the throat and voice box, leading to a sensation of a lump in the throat and frequent throat clearing.

Comparison Table: Common Mouth Noises and Their Causes

Mouth Noise	Possible Cause(s)	Common Triggers
Smacking/Clicking	Dry mouth, ill-fitting dentures, weak oral muscles	Eating, talking, or subconsciously
Chewing (Phantom)	Tardive dyskinesia, dementia, neurological conditions	Habitual or involuntary movements
Gurgling/Wet Voice	Dysphagia, poor swallowing control	After eating or drinking
Throat Clearing	Acid reflux (LPR), postnasal drip, dry throat	Irritation, sense of blockage
Loud Breathing	Stiffening chest wall, reduced lung elasticity	Natural age-related respiratory changes

Managing and Addressing Mouth Noises in Seniors

Here are some practical strategies for managing mouth noises and their underlying causes:

1. Prioritize hydration: Encourage the senior to drink plenty of water throughout the day. For those with swallowing difficulties, liquids may need to be thickened under a doctor's guidance.
2. Use saliva substitutes: Over-the-counter gels, sprays, or oral moisturizers can help combat dry mouth. Sugar-free gum or lozenges with xylitol can also stimulate saliva flow.
3. Regular dental check-ups: Ensure regular visits to the dentist to address any issues with dentures, tooth decay, or gum disease. Dentures should be professionally refitted if they become loose.
4. Review medications: Consult a doctor or pharmacist to review all medications and see if any are causing or exacerbating dry mouth. They may be able to suggest alternative drugs or dosages.
5. Maintain oral hygiene: A consistent oral care routine is crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, which can be worsened by dry mouth.
6. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier, especially at night, can add moisture to the air and help reduce dry mouth.
7. Consider speech therapy: If swallowing difficulties are suspected, a speech-language pathologist can perform an evaluation and recommend specific exercises or dietary modifications to improve swallowing function.
8. Avoid irritants: Advise against alcohol-based mouthwashes, excessive caffeine, and smoking, all of which can increase oral dryness.

Conclusion: Understanding Provides Compassion

The sounds an older person makes with their mouth are often an unintended consequence of the aging process or a symptom of an underlying condition, not a sign of poor manners. Recognizing the various causes, from dry mouth to more serious issues like dysphagia or dementia, can foster a greater sense of patience and understanding. By addressing the root causes through medical consultation, lifestyle adjustments, and proper oral care, you can help improve their quality of life and communication. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to ensure the best care possible. For more information on swallowing disorders, visit MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for elderly people to make mouth noises?

Yes, it is often a normal, albeit sometimes embarrassing, consequence of aging. Many of the noises are involuntary and result from physiological changes such as reduced saliva flow or weaker oral muscles, rather than a conscious choice.

Can dentures cause mouth noises in old people?

Yes, ill-fitting or loose dentures are a very common cause of clicking and smacking noises, especially when eating or talking. As the shape of the gums and jaw changes with age, dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced to ensure a proper fit.

What medical issues are linked to mouth noises in seniors?

Several medical conditions can contribute, including chronic dry mouth (xerostomia), swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), acid reflux, and neurological disorders like tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson's disease, or frontotemporal dementia.

How can I help a senior with chronic dry mouth?

Encourage proper hydration, use a humidifier, and suggest over-the-counter saliva substitutes like gels or sprays. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can also help. Always consult a doctor to review medications that might be contributing.

When should I be concerned about an older person's mouth noises?

While often benign, it is best to seek medical advice if the noises are new, unusually frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms. Pay close attention if you notice a wet or gurgling voice after eating or drinking, as this could indicate swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).

Does dementia cause mouth noises?

Yes, certain types of dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia (FTD), can cause mouth-centered compulsive behaviors, including repetitive lip smacking or chewing motions. This is a symptom of the disease, not a behavioral issue.

Is mouth noise a sign of poor oral hygiene?

Not necessarily. While poor oral hygiene and gum disease can be exacerbated by issues like dry mouth, the noises themselves are more often caused by physiological changes, dental fit, or underlying medical conditions rather than a direct result of cleanliness.

What's the difference between mouth noises and throat clearing?

Mouth noises, like smacking or clicking, typically originate from within the oral cavity and are often linked to saliva, muscle, or dental issues. Throat clearing, which is also common, is usually a response to irritation in the back of the throat caused by postnasal drip or acid reflux.