Transcript 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% +
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)
35% of all Americans have some form of PD
13% have severe periodontal disease
75% of all Americans have inflammation of the
gums (gingivitis)
Progression of gingivitis to bone loss:
Pockets form around the teeth
Pockets gradually deepen, ulcerate
Bone loss visible on x-rays
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)
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:
Inflammation
Yeast infections
Tooth decay
Gum disease
…the longer one waits
Over the counter
products might be
sufficient
Talk with doctor/
dentist for
prescriptions
AVOID SUGAR CANDY
Sugar-Free Candies
Okay!
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
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)
Aging in general increases
the risk of oral cancer
Dry mouth from RX’s
Eventually dependant on
care giver
Early stages help remind
about daily brushing
Increase fluoride
treatments
Use alcohol-based pen to
write name on dentures
Be SMART brushers
◦ 2x day for 2 minutes
Floss daily
Prevent dry mouth
◦ Biotene or generic brand
◦ Keep mouth moist!
Eat healthy fruits & vegetables
Use floss holders
Arthritis or other conditions
that limit movement…
•
•
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)
Fear if being touched
Not opening mouth
Not understanding or
responding to
directions
Biting the toothbrush
Grabbing or hitting out
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
Talk clearly, mime
Allow resident to inspect the items
Right environment
Body language
Overcoming fear of being touched
◦
◦
◦
◦
◦
Bridging
Chaining
Hand over hand
Distraction
Rescuing
(South Australian Dental Service, 2009)
Bleeding gums
Sore mouth or tongue
Sore corners of mouth,
tongue
Thrush (candidiasis)
Gum disease
(gingivitis) or severe
gum disease
(periodontitis)
Ulcers and sore spots
Dry mouth
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
Half of plate = fruits and
vegetables
At least half of grains =
whole grains
Vary protein choices
Cut back on foods that are
high in sodium or fat
Drink plenty of fluids
◦ As we age, we start loosing
our sense of thirst.
Exercise!
(USDA MyPlate, 2013)
Any Questions???
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-over-60/healthy-habits.aspx