Download Dry Mouth

“Elderly suffer a disproportionate
& debilitating amount of oral
disease.”
- Alliance for
Aging Research
TRUE or FALSE?
People with Diabetes are at a greater
risk of developing gum disease.
Healthy eating can contribute to
the condition of a an individuals
mouth.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
medications can affect your mouth.

Among new military recruits in 2010, what
percentage were not deployed because of
significant dental issues?
 A. 0-40%
 B. 40-60%
 C. 60% +
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Heart Disease

Stroke

Pneumonia

Diabetes
“… providing mechanical oral hygiene may
prevent 1 in 10 deaths from pneumonia in
dependent elderly people and show similar
pneumonia prevention effect.”
(Sjogren, P., et al: JAGS 2008 (56); 2124-30)
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35% of all Americans have some form of PD
 13% have severe periodontal disease
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75% of all Americans have inflammation of the
gums (gingivitis)
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Progression of gingivitis to bone loss:
 Pockets form around the teeth
 Pockets gradually deepen, ulcerate
 Bone loss visible on x-rays
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Nearly 1/3 of people with
diabetes have severe bone
loss (CDC)
Diabetics are 3 - 4 times
more likely to develop
periodontal disease (gum
disease)
Develop infections easier
Can contribute to heart disease
Can contribute to pneumonia
(http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm)
Xerostomia:
Dry Mouth
“A feeling that there is not enough
saliva in the mouth, all or most of the
time.”

(NIH Senior Health, 2003)
A side effect of certain diseases and
infections:
 Sjögren's
syndrome
 HIV/AIDS
 Alzheimer's
disease
 Diabetes
 Anemia
 Cystic
fibrosis
 Crohn’s disease
 Systemic
Lupus
Erythematosis
 Rheumatoid arthritis
 Hypertension
 Parkinson's disease
 Stroke
 Scleroderma
 Hepatitis
A side effect of over 500 medications:
Antidepressants
 Antihypertensives
 Narcotics
 Anticholinergics
 Antipsychotics
 Anti-Parkinson
 Antiasthmatics
 Anorexiants
 Anticonvulsants
 Antacids

Hormone
replacements
 Diuretics
 Sedatives
 Inhalants
 Decongestants
 Glaucoma eye
drops
 Antihistamines
 Pseudoephedrine

(USDHHS, 2008)
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Dry, sticky oral tissues
Thick saliva
Ulcers in mouth
Cracking of the corners of
the mouth or tongue
Bad breath
Frequent yeast infections
Red gums that bleed easily
Increased tartar build up
Increased dental
decay
o
o
o
Sore or burning mouth, lips or tongue
Sleep interruptions due to thirst or oral
discomfort
Difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing and
wearing dentures
o
Difficulty clearing leftover food in the mouth
o
Patient may avoid eating dry foods
Dry mouth may
contribute to:
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Inflammation
Yeast infections
Tooth decay
Gum disease
…the longer one waits

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Over the counter
products might be
sufficient
Talk with doctor/
dentist for
prescriptions
AVOID SUGAR CANDY
Sugar-Free Candies
Okay!
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Handle with great care – very expensive
Brush & rinse dentures daily – soft
bristles designed for dentures
Clean with denture cleanser – NOT
toothpaste
Dentures need to be
kept moist when not
worn

Important to remove
to allow oxygen to
get to tissues
Put in denture case NOT
a Kleenex/paper towel!
Remember to still brush
gums and palate
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ONLY a dentist/
prosthodontist
should adjust
dentures

Conditions with a high risk of
infection  antibiotics are
recommended prior to some
dental procedures
 Most conditions of the heart, pace
makers, heart valves etc.

Check with doctor/dentist
(http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/Premedication-or-Antibiotics)
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Aging in general increases
the risk of oral cancer
Dry mouth from RX’s
Eventually dependant on
care giver
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Early stages  help remind
about daily brushing
Increase fluoride
treatments
Use alcohol-based pen to
write name on dentures
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Be SMART brushers
◦ 2x day for 2 minutes
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Floss daily
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Prevent dry mouth
◦ Biotene or generic brand
◦ Keep mouth moist!
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Eat healthy fruits & vegetables
Use floss holders
 Arthritis or other conditions
that limit movement…
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Electric toothbrush
Duck tape a golf ball securely to
handle of regular toothbrush
NEVER put your fingers between
teeth
Studies show professional teeth
cleaning lowers inflammation and
pain in Arthritis patients…
(http://www.arthritistoday.org/news/gum-disease.php)
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
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Fear if being touched
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Not opening mouth
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Not understanding or
responding to
directions
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Biting the toothbrush
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Grabbing or hitting out
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
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Talk clearly, mime
Allow resident to inspect the items
Right environment
Body language
Overcoming fear of being touched
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Bridging
Chaining
Hand over hand
Distraction
Rescuing
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
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Bleeding gums
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Sore mouth or tongue
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Sore corners of mouth,
tongue
Thrush (candidiasis)
Gum disease
(gingivitis) or severe
gum disease
(periodontitis)
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Ulcers and sore spots
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Dry mouth
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Tooth decay, root
decay, retained tooth
roots
Dentures that are illfitting or require
attention
Maintain a healthy diet in order to maintain good:
•
Physical condition
•
Memory
•
Bone health
•
Eye health
•
Blood circulation
•
Immune system
•
ORAL HEALTH
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Half of plate = fruits and
vegetables
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At least half of grains =
whole grains
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Vary protein choices
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Cut back on foods that are
high in sodium or fat
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Drink plenty of fluids
◦ As we age, we start loosing
our sense of thirst.
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Exercise!
(USDA MyPlate, 2013)
Any Questions???
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/healthy-habits.aspx