Seniors
Dry Mouth:
- Dry mouth is not a normal consequence of aging.
- Dry mouth is caused by over 400 medications, cancer treatments, and sjogren’s syndrome
- Because saliva plays an important role in protecting your mouth from disease, dry mouth can quickly lead to severe tooth decay and gum problems.
- Learn what you can do to prevent dry mouth. See the dry mouth brochure.
Fluoride:
- Fluoride is the natural protector of teeth and can be accessed in many ways: water (tap and bottled), toothpaste, fluoride rinse, fluoride varnish and gels.
- Fluoride remineralizes tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay.
- Seniors need fluoride to keep their teeth strong, especially on root surfaces where the gums have receded.
Xylitol:
- Xylitol is a natural sweetener that prevents tooth decay.
- Xylitol is used as an alternative to sugar in many gums and mints.
- People experiencing dry mouth can choose xylitol products to stimulate moisture instead of sugared candy or cough drops
