Prevention of a common health issue for seniors

Roughly 1 in 3 adults age 65 and older have “dry mouth,” a condition caused by too little saliva keeping their mouths moist. Saliva protects the mouth by washing away food particles, killing bacteria, neutralizing the acids that cause tooth decay, and strengthening teeth with minerals like calcium and fluoride. Without enough saliva, people are at a greater risk for cavities and gum disease and they have a hard time eating, swallowing, speaking, and tasting food.

Medications are the most common cause of dry mouth. More than 400 prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, including some of the most common, have dry mouth as a potential side effect. Dry mouth can also be caused by cancer treatment and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and Sjögren’s Syndrome.

WDS Foundation is engaging with pharmacists, medical and dental professionals, and partner organizations to create a strategy to encourage the prevention of dry mouth and its negative health consequences. Through partnerships with senior service agencies WDS Foundation is also raising seniors’ awareness about dry mouth and how they can manage dry mouth in healthful ways that prevent oral disease.

Roughly 1 in 3 adults that are 65 and over have “dry mouth,” a condition resulting in too little saliva to keep their mouths moist. Saliva washes away food particles, kills bacteria, neutralizes the acids that cause tooth decay, strengthens teeth with minerals like calcium and moistens the mouth, nose, and throat. Without enough saliva, people have a hard time eating, swallowing, speaking, and tasting food. Dry mouth also causes a greater risk for cavities and gum disease.

Medications are the most common cause of dry mouth. More than 400 prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, including some of the most common, have dry mouth as a potential side effect. Other causes of dry mouth include some radiation therapies conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s Syndrome.

The WDS Foundation is engaging with pharmacists, medical and dental professionals and partner organizations to create a strategy to encourage the prevention of dry mouth and its negative health consequences.

For more information about WDS Foundation’s efforts to prevent the negative effects of dry mouth on seniors’ oral health, please review our Dry Mouth Brochure, or contact Jessica Mortensen, Program Officer at 206-528-7344 or jmortensen@deltadentalwa.com