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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tastelessness And Redness On The Tongue In A Dementia Patient?

My mother is 96 yrs. old and has been feeling like her mouth is nasty and that she must spit all the time. She would brush her teeth and mouth forever if I didn t make her stop. Her tongue is red and tender looking, with a couple splits in it. She has dementia, and forgets that it is normal to have saliva and to swallow it. The only thing that helps with this problem is keeping sugar free life savers or throat discs in her mouth. She can t eat even mildly spicy food now, which she used to love. Her teeth are falling out and breaking off now also. Is there a diagnosis and treatment for the problem with her tongue? She lives in a dementia unit now, so I am not there to really oversee her total care, however, it is an excellent facility, with loving, caring staff. I hope you can suggest something to help mother s mouth condition.
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your query it looks like your mother is suffering from Apthous stomatitis leading to glossitis or redness of tongue..
It can be caused due to a number of reasons like Stress, Nutritional Deficiency [Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folic acid] , dry mouth, hormonal changes, acid reflux, tongue trauma due to some sharp teeth or tongue biting habit, excessive intake of sour and citrus foods, uncontrolled diabetes and other immunocompromised conditions etc..
It can also be a side effect of medications that she must be taking for treatment..
You need to consult an Oral Physician or a general dentist in this regard to get evaluated and treated..

She can be advised Vitamin B complex supplements..
Gargling with soda bicarb solution can also be helpful..
Dong cool water rinses can help..
Sucking ice lollies can reduce inflammation..
Give her a soft diet and avoid spicy food..
If there is dry mouth then artificial saliva drops can be instilled..

Hope this helps..

Thanks and regards..

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What Causes Tastelessness And Redness On The Tongue In A Dementia Patient?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your query it looks like your mother is suffering from Apthous stomatitis leading to glossitis or redness of tongue.. It can be caused due to a number of reasons like Stress, Nutritional Deficiency [Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folic acid] , dry mouth, hormonal changes, acid reflux, tongue trauma due to some sharp teeth or tongue biting habit, excessive intake of sour and citrus foods, uncontrolled diabetes and other immunocompromised conditions etc.. It can also be a side effect of medications that she must be taking for treatment.. You need to consult an Oral Physician or a general dentist in this regard to get evaluated and treated.. She can be advised Vitamin B complex supplements.. Gargling with soda bicarb solution can also be helpful.. Dong cool water rinses can help.. Sucking ice lollies can reduce inflammation.. Give her a soft diet and avoid spicy food.. If there is dry mouth then artificial saliva drops can be instilled.. Hope this helps.. Thanks and regards..