Prevention of a common health issue for seniors

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