Involuntary Chewing Motion in Elderly Adults

As a caregiver for an elderly adult, especially for one with cognitive or neurological changes, you might observe them constantly chewing even if there’s nothing in their mouth. This unintentional chewing motion in older adults is sometimes described as phantom chewing or geriatric chewing.

Addressing involuntary chewing is crucial as it can affect nutritional intake, oral health, and overall comfort.

So, what causes elderly people to chew for no apparent reason?

Involuntary Chewing Motion in Elderly Adults

Elderly individuals might chew without food in their mouth for various reasons, including:

• Dental Health and Muscular Activity: The loss of teeth, a common occurrence with age, can affect how the mouth and facial muscles function. Changes in oral health or discomfort may contribute to unusual mouth movements. Maintaining proper oral hygiene for elderly adults with no teeth is important for preventing discomfort and supporting overall oral health. Moreover, poorly fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and may contribute to repeated mouth movements as the individual tries to adjust them. For seniors considering replacement dentures, information about low-cost dentures for seniors may be helpful. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure dentures fit correctly and do not contribute to discomfort.
• Dry Mouth and Saliva Production: Dry mouth is another possible trigger for repeated chewing movements, as the individual may be trying to stimulate saliva production. Solutions can range from over-the-counter mouthwashes designed for dry mouth to sugar-free gum when it is safe to chew. However, it’s crucial to identify any underlying causes of dry mouth, such as medication side effects or dehydration in elderly adults.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: Some constant chewing is caused by a condition known as tardive dyskinesia, a disorder marked by involuntary muscle movements in the face, tongue, lips, or jaw. The condition is often associated with prolonged use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, and is sometimes seen in elderly patients who have been using these medications for a long time. Understanding the signs of overmedication in elderly adults can help caregivers recognize medication-related concerns that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. However, tardive dyskinesia can occur even when medications are taken exactly as prescribed.
• Dementia Symptoms: A type of behavior sometimes seen in dementia patients is called perseveration. Perseveration is the repetition of a gesture, word, or phrase, such as repeating a word over and over or constantly clapping. Similar patterns of repetition may also occur with mouth movements, although involuntary chewing should not automatically be attributed to dementia. Understanding repetitive speech and behaviors in dementia can help caregivers recognize recurring behavioral patterns and determine when additional evaluation may be necessary.

Is Mouth Hanging Open a Sign of Dementia?

A dementia patient’s mouth hanging open may sometimes be associated with changes in muscle control, awareness, or neurological function. However, an open-mouth posture is not a specific sign of dementia and may have several other causes.

In some cases, gently reminding the individual to close their mouth may help temporarily. The mouth hanging open can also indicate uncomfortable dentures or other oral health concerns, which a dentist can check.

If the behavior is new, persistent, or accompanied by difficulty swallowing, speaking, or eating, a healthcare professional should evaluate the underlying cause.

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Managing the Behavior

Remember that your loved one may not have complete control over their mouth hanging open or their constant chewing, and they are not doing it to annoy or get attention.

While the chewing can be irritating and challenging to listen to, try to stay calm and practice patience as much as possible. Consistent engagement and gentle reminders can help manage these behaviors, but always approach these situations with empathy and understanding.

Families caring for someone with cognitive changes may also benefit from learning about dementia care support, which can help older adults maintain comfort, safety, and daily routines.

If the behavior becomes concerning or seems to indicate discomfort, consult with healthcare professionals for a thorough assessment and to discuss potential management strategies.

To learn more about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.