Why do older people's mouths quiver? Understanding the causes and treatments

Research indicates that involuntary mouth and jaw tremors can affect a significant percentage of the elderly population. This comprehensive guide explores potential causes to help you understand why do older people's mouths quiver? and what can be done about it.

Quick Summary

Mouth quivering in older adults often stems from underlying neurological conditions like essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, medication side effects, or dental issues. Pinpointing the root cause is crucial for effective treatment and requires a professional medical evaluation.

Key Points

• Diverse Causes: Mouth quivering in older adults can be a sign of neurological issues, medication side effects, or simple factors like dentures or too much caffeine.

• Distinguish Tremor Type: Observing whether the quivering happens at rest (potentially Parkinson's) or during activity (often Essential Tremor) is a key diagnostic detail for doctors.

• Medication Check-up: Certain long-term medications, especially older antipsychotics, are a common cause of facial tremors known as tardive dyskinesia.

• Dental Evaluation: Issues with oral health or ill-fitting dentures can contribute to facial muscle strain and involuntary movements that mimic quivering.

• When to See a Doctor: Seek professional medical advice if mouth quivering is persistent, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms like weakness or balance problems.

Exploring the Root Causes of Mouth Quivering

Involuntary mouth movements, including quivering of the lips or jaw, can be a source of concern for many older adults and their families. While the symptom can range from a minor annoyance to an indication of a more significant health issue, understanding the potential causes is the first step toward finding a solution.

Neurological Movement Disorders

Several neurological conditions can affect the facial muscles, leading to tremors and quivering. These disorders are often rooted in the central nervous system and impact how the brain controls movement.

• Essential Tremor (ET): This is one of the most common movement disorders and is characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking. While most commonly associated with hands, it can also manifest as a head, vocal, or jaw tremor.
• Parkinson's Disease (PD): A neurodegenerative disorder caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells, PD can lead to tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. The characteristic 'resting tremor' associated with PD can affect the jaw and lips, and may cause teeth to click together in severe cases.
• Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): A side effect of certain medications, particularly older antipsychotics, TD causes repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, jaw, lips, and tongue. These can include lip-smacking, grimacing, and quivering.
• Hemifacial Spasm: This condition is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side of the face. While it typically begins with eye twitching, it can progress to include the mouth and jaw.
• Other Conditions: Less common but possible neurological causes include multiple sclerosis (MS) and post-stroke complications, which can damage nerve pathways controlling facial muscles.

Dental and Oral Health Issues

Sometimes, the cause of mouth quivering is not neurological but rather related to oral health and dental mechanics.

• Ill-fitting Dentures: Improperly fitting dentures can cause facial muscles to overcompensate in an effort to keep the prosthetic in place. This constant muscle strain can lead to a chewing motion or quivering, especially when the dentures are removed.
• Phantom Chewing: With age and tooth loss, muscle activity in the jaw and face can become less predictable. This may lead to subconscious or involuntary chewing movements in older adults, also known as phantom chewing.

Medications and Other Factors

Beyond neurological disorders, several other factors can trigger or exacerbate mouth quivering.

• Medication Side Effects: As mentioned with tardive dyskinesia, many drugs can cause facial tremors. This includes some antidepressants (SSRIs), anti-nausea medications, and other mood-stabilizing drugs.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of key minerals can impact nerve function and muscle control. Deficiencies in calcium or potassium can sometimes manifest as muscle cramps or twitching, including around the mouth.
• Caffeine and Stimulants: Excessive intake of caffeine or other stimulants can cause muscle tremors and jitteriness throughout the body, including the face.
• Stress and Anxiety: High-stress levels or anxiety can heighten the nervous system's response, leading to or worsening existing tremors. Emotional stress is a well-known trigger for many movement disorders.

Comparison of Common Tremors

Understanding the specific type of tremor can help inform discussions with a healthcare provider.

Feature	Essential Tremor (ET)	Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Onset	Often starts gradually, can begin at any age but is more common in older adults.	Typically starts slowly, sometimes affecting only one side of the body.
Mouth Tremor Frequency	Generally higher frequency (4-12 Hz).	Slower, more rhythmic frequency (3-5 Hz).
Tremor Type	Action tremor: Occurs during voluntary movement (e.g., speaking, drinking). Can also have postural tremor.	Resting tremor: Occurs when the body is at rest and disappears with intentional movement.
Associated Symptoms	Head tremor, voice tremor, unsteadiness.	Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, balance problems.
Aggravating Factors	Stress, caffeine, fatigue.	Stress, emotional excitement.

Steps to Take When You Notice Mouth Quivering

1. Document the Symptoms: Keep a journal of when the quivering occurs, how long it lasts, and what activities precede it. Note if it happens at rest or during movement.
2. Review Medications: Create a list of all current prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Some side effects can take months or years to appear.
3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule an appointment with a doctor for a thorough evaluation. They can perform physical and neurological examinations to help determine the cause.
4. Seek Specialist Referral: If a movement disorder is suspected, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist who specializes in such conditions for a more detailed diagnosis.
5. Address Lifestyle Triggers: Reduce caffeine intake and practice stress-management techniques like meditation or deep breathing, which may help lessen symptoms.

Conclusion: Seeking Professional Guidance is Key

Witnessing a loved one’s mouth quiver can be a distressing experience, but it is important to remember that many causes are treatable. In some cases, a simple adjustment to medication or lifestyle can provide significant relief. For more complex conditions, an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is vital to developing an effective management plan. The first and most important step is seeking medical advice to understand the specific cause of the quivering.

For more in-depth information on tremors and other hyperkinetic movements, a specialist resource can be invaluable. The Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements Journal is an excellent resource for understanding movement disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common neurological cause of mouth quivering in seniors?

Essential Tremor is one of the most common causes of mouth quivering, especially if the quivering also affects the head or voice. It is a rhythmic shaking that often occurs during voluntary movement, as opposed to at rest.

Can dentures cause an older person's mouth to quiver?

Yes, ill-fitting or new dentures can cause involuntary muscle movements. Facial muscles may strain to hold the dentures in place, leading to a quivering or chewing-like motion.

Is mouth quivering always a sign of Parkinson's disease?

No, mouth quivering is not always a sign of Parkinson's disease. While it can be, other potential causes include essential tremor, medication side effects (tardive dyskinesia), and nutritional deficiencies. A proper diagnosis is necessary.

What is tardive dyskinesia and how does it relate to quivering lips?

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary, repetitive body movements. It can result from long-term use of certain medications, and its symptoms often include lip-smacking, grimacing, and quivering of the lips and jaw.

Can anxiety cause an older person's mouth to quiver?

Yes, high levels of anxiety and stress can trigger or worsen muscle tremors throughout the body, including around the mouth. This can be a factor even in individuals with an underlying movement disorder.

Are there any nutritional deficiencies that cause mouth twitching?

Yes, deficiencies in certain minerals like calcium or potassium can sometimes affect nerve and muscle function, leading to muscle spasms or twitching around the mouth.

When should I be concerned about mouth quivering and see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if the quivering is persistent, worsens over time, interferes with daily activities like eating or speaking, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or balance problems.