What can I use for a very dry mouth at the end of life?
A very dry mouth near the end of life can often be eased with gentle mouth care, moist swabs and lip care.
A very dry mouth near the end of life can often be eased with gentle mouth care, moist swabs and lip care. Dry mouth is common when a dying person is eating and drinking very little, breathing through their mouth, sleeping more, or taking medicines that dry secretions.
Ask the palliative care team, nurse, GP or aged care staff what to use for that person. The safest option depends on whether they are awake, able to swallow, coughing, wearing dentures, or having mouth pain.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.
Simple things that may help
The care team may suggest:
- moist mouth swabs
- a soft toothbrush
- small sips from a cup or spoon if the person is awake and swallowing safely
- lip balm or moisturiser for cracked lips
- denture cleaning and safe denture storage
- artificial saliva, mouth gel or spray if suitable.
Use small amounts of fluid. The aim is comfort, not forcing fluid into the body.
If the person can swallow
If the person is awake, asking for a drink and able to swallow, they may enjoy small sips of water or another drink they like. A teaspoon, small cup or moistened swab may be easier than a large cup.
Stop if they cough, choke, become wet-sounding, hold fluid in the mouth, or become too sleepy. Ask the team whether a swallowing review or different approach is needed.
If the person cannot swallow safely
If the person is very drowsy, unconscious or coughing with fluids, do not pour water into their mouth. Fluid can go down the wrong way and cause choking or distress.
Mouth care can still help. The nurse may show you how to use a damp swab or cloth safely, how to position the person, and how often to moisten the mouth and lips.
Things to be careful with
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash unless the team has specifically advised it. It can sting and make dryness worse.
Do not use products that have not been recommended for that person, especially if they are very weak, unconscious, allergic to ingredients, or at risk of choking.
Do not put your fingers between the teeth. If the mouth is sore, bleeding, coated, smelly or difficult to clean, ask for review.
Is dry mouth the same as thirst?
Not always. A dying person may have a dry mouth without feeling thirsty in the way a well person would. They may also want the comfort of a familiar taste rather than a full drink.
Mouth care is often more helpful and safer than trying to make someone drink when their body is shutting down.
When to get help now
Contact the care team if the person has choking, coughing with fluids, severe mouth pain, bleeding, mouth ulcers, white patches, bad smell, very thick secretions, or distress during mouth care.
Call 000 if choking or breathing difficulty is sudden and life-threatening and you do not have an end-of-life plan telling you what to do.
You may also want to read
- How do I do mouth care for someone who is dying?
- Can I give water to someone who is having trouble swallowing?
- Why does a dying person's mouth stay open?
- They've stopped eating and drinking. Are we starving or dehydrating them?