Understanding Potential Causes for Persistent Lip Licking in Older Women
This discussion revolves around a 65-year-old woman, a non-drinker and smoker who is not on any prescribed medication. My mother, who maintains generally good health and regularly attends her annual check-ups, has unexpectedly begun to exhibit a peculiar behavior characterized by frequent licking of her lips. This has become an almost automatic reaction accompanying her speech, where she tends to lick her lower lip with every sentence. This behavior is new, having emerged over the past couple of months. She has recently faced considerable stress, and I am uncertain if this behavior stems from anxiety. My concern is heightened by her increasing irritability, and whenever I address the topic with her, she insists that her lips are dry and asks me to stop bringing it up. However, her lips do not appear to be dry; in fact, when I mention it, she often applies chapstick. It's important to note that substance use can be ruled out since she is not on any drugs, remains active, and has no medication affecting her. I can't help but worry that this might indicate a neurological issue. Adding to my concern is the fact that her mother has dementia. My mother's current stress—juggling her own concerns with her mother and her job—could be taking a toll on her mental state. While it may seem unusual to be anxious over what appears to be a minor quirk, the sudden onset and persistence of this behavior lead me to be cautious. Is this a manifestation of anxious tics, or should I encourage her to see a healthcare professional for an evaluation?
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 2:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your mother's recent behavior of frequently licking her lips, especially given the context of stress and family health history. This behavior can include a range of causes, including anxiety-related habits, dry mouth, or even neurological conditions in some cases. However, given that her lips don't appear dry and she is actively using chapstick, the issue may be more related to anxiety or habit rather than an underlying neurological issue.
Explanation:
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Anxiety and Stress: Increased stress and anxiety can manifest in various physical behaviors. Lip licking may be a subconscious response to stress. Since you mentioned her irritability and that she is managing her mother’s health alongside her job, this could certainly contribute to her current state.
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Habit Formation: Sometimes, behaviors like lip licking can become habitual, particularly if they coincide with feelings of anxiety or tension. If the behavior has recently started and is persistent, it may be a way for her to cope with her feelings, even if it’s not rooted in physical need (like dryness).
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Neurological Concerns: While it’s good to be cautious, the absence of other symptoms (like changes in her speech, coordination, or cognitive function) generally decreases the likelihood of a neurological problem. However, family history of dementia does warrant some awareness.
Next Steps:
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Encourage Open Communication: Gently encourage her to share her feelings about her stress and any changes she may be experiencing. This might help her feel supported and understood, rather than defensive about the behavior.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on whether the behavior escalates or if other symptoms develop (such as changes in mood, cognition, or physical health). If there are significant changes, this would warrant a conversation about seeking medical advice.
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Manage Stress: Discuss stress management techniques with her, such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise, which may help ease some of her anxiety and reduce the need for coping behaviors like lip licking.
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Consult a Professional if Needed: If the behavior persists or worsens, or if you notice any additional concerning symptoms, it would be wise to suggest she discusses these observations with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Your mother’s health and comfort are essential, and approaching these concerns with empathy and support can make a significant difference in how she handles this situation.
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