Father Has gunk and

I've brought my father to 2 e.n.t. a dentist and oral surgeon, and uconn test and smell clinic. They found bacteria and a fungal infection. Both have been taken care of. The problem still remains that he has gunk in his mouth which he says is coming from the back roof of of his mouth. It's thick and sticky and stick to his tongue and teeth.  He also can't taste his food.
He is 87 and on meds. Cymbalta being one. Bp meds low dose. Meds for Prostate. The only change in meds he's had in the past year is the Cymbalta addition. My mother also passed. This problem is now been for a year,

[scottma]

Altered taste (dysgeusia) is commonly associated with medications. Secretion from roof of mouth is probably mucous saliva. Your father may have xerostomia, which may derive from medication or aging process. You may try artificial saliva . Seeing an oral medicine specialist is advised.

[peanut18]

Thank you.  Where would I find an Oral Medicine spec Listed under what. I am aware of the above but am looking for other options like the one u just gave me.

[peanut18]

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Can you tell me where I would find an oral med spec? A hospital or would this dr. have a private office. would a neurologist help?

[scottma]

Oral medicine specialists are generally faculty member at dental schools.it's difficult to make a living by private practice in oral medicine or oral pathology.

[peanut18]

These are the tests he's already had would there be any duplications and would it be worth the try. They checked his mouth and tongue he saw a dentist who found the bacteria and fungus, then he had an extensive taste test of all part of the tongue with different solutions of salt sweet and bitter. This taste came out with his tongue being normal but he still says he can't taste. He can smell but can not always recognize what the smell is.

[scottma]

Oral candidiasis may be contributing to altered taste. In addition, candidiasis is commonly associated with compromised immune system. a medical evaluation is needed to rule out underpining cause.
The taste test result suggests that he can perceive strong stimulus,but he can not perceive less strong stimulus from regular meal.He may need to see a neurologist who is familiar with geriatics.In the mean time, he may try alpha-lipoic acid , which is catorgrized as nutritional supplement. Alpha-lipoic acid may help improve nerve function. However, it may take weeks to get result.