Although it is a common myth that dry mouth is just par for the course as we age, this is not actually true. For the approximately 20 percent of older adults that experience excessive dry mouth, it can actually be a symptom of a medical condition or a side effect of certain medications, and it can lead to a host of dental problems.
Causes of Dry Mouth
In older adults, dry mouth is most commonly a side effect of certain medications, including:

• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Pain pills
• Decongestants
• Medications for Overactive Bladder
• Antidepressants
• Diuretics
• Muscle relaxers
• Medications for Parkinson’s disease
• Medications for anxiety

Although medication side effects are most often the cause of dry mouth, certain medical conditions can also create dry mouth symptoms. Some of the most common diseases that can contribute to dry mouth include:

• Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systematic lupus erythematosus
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression

Dry mouth can also be attributed to dehydration, which is why it is so important to keep an eye on any older adults you care for, as dehydration is a common issue for the elderly.
Issues Associated with Dry Mouth
We need sufficient saliva in our mouths to wash away food debris and reduce plaque, which is why severe tooth decay and gum disease can occur if dry mouth is left untreated. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 30 percent of all tooth decay in older adults is caused by dry mouth.
Other health issues can also arise if dry mouth is left untreated.
Treating Dry Mouth
There are fortunately many things you can do to treat dry mouth and improve dental health, no matter your age. Your dentist or physician can prescribe medications to help increase saliva production, and regular dental checkups will help your dentist keep an eye out for any dental problems your dry mouth may be causing. There are also several things you can do at home to improve the saliva production in your mouth, including:

• Chewing sugar free gum or sucking on sugar free mints. This will help fight dry mouth by stimulating saliva production. Look for products that contain xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that can actually help prevent cavities.
• Brush and floss daily. Proper oral health hygiene will prevent the build up of plaque, which is the sticky layer of bacteria that promotes tooth decay and gum disease. Use a fluoride toothpaste to keep teeth strong.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated will increase saliva production and help keep you healthy in general. Be sure to drink water after eating, and avoid foods that stick to your teeth, such as raisins, crackers, candy, and pretzels.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Discuss your dry mouth issues with your doctor or pharmacist and see if he or she recommends alternate medications that don’t cause dry mouth. They can also recommend products that keep your mouth moist.

As we ring in the New Year with celebrations and joy many of us choose to make resolutions to improve our lives for the year ahead. New Year’s resolutions are not often maintained, but it is the optimism of a new year that gives hope to us all. Making a statement about how we wish to improve our lives is a positive influence that we all can use as motivation. To help maintain our resolutions here at Sloop Dental we have decided to announce our 2016 resolutions on our blog so please feel free to ask us about our success or failure at keeping our own resolutions.

Dr. Allen- read 1 book a month for 2016

Amanda- to lose 30 lbs before her wedding in September

Leroy- have more financial independence

Milena- pay off her credit card balance

Let us know what your resolutions are at your next visit. If you need any help finding a resolution, improving your dental health is always an excellent choice!

Back to school for a lot of families means getting supplies lists organized, buying new clothes and getting those doctor appointments scheduled. Most students returning to school will need a physical by their primary pediatrician as well as a dental examination completed before their return to classes.

As we urge all of our patients to visit us at least twice a year for their dental checkup and cleaning, we want to be available to getting those last minute school checkups for new patients as well! We are available six days a week with convenient evening and weekend appointments. We want to make your child’s checkup as simple as possible, so we have those dental school forms filled out and ready to go as soon as your appointment is completed.

Feel free to contact us over the phone or schedule at your convenience through our website for your child’s checkup and cleaning. Best of luck to all the students on the upcoming school year!

For many American children, the tooth fairy can be counted on to make losing a tooth, a very profitable event. So exactly, how much is she putting under pillows these days?

Did you know that, on average, a child in the Midwest receives $2.83 per tooth lost? That may seem like a lot to parents who remember finding a dime or a quarter underneath their pillows. However, compared to the average payout in the Southern states of $5.17, the parents of the Midwest seem to be pretty conservative!

Delta Dental (dental insurance provider) did a survey of more than 1,000 primary caregivers to get the average payout results. They also found that over the period of 1999 to 2014 that the national gift average for the tooth fairy was pretty consistent with the ebbs and flows of the stock market.

So next time your kids ask what they can expect from the tooth fairy…maybe they should start following the stock market. 🙂

As the weather turns warmer, the temptation to reach for a cold soda instead of water can be a lot more appealing.

“Pop” or soda is one of the leading dietary sources of tooth decay and affects people of all ages. The acid and sugary byproducts that are found in pop soften the tooth’s enamel which attribute to the development of cavities.

The popularity of soft drinks has risen in the United States, especially among children and teenagers. How many school age children drink soft drinks? Estimates range from one in two to more than four in five consuming at least one soft drink a day. At least one in five kids consume a minimum of four servings a day (1).

Some teenagers drink as many as 12 soft drinks a day (2). Long term users are at risk as well, with the cumulative damage having effect on their mouth at some point in their life.

It goes without saying that soft drinks account for more than just damage to your teeth’s enamel. Obesity, increased risk of diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, reproductive issues and even asthma.

The damage that could be done in the long run is far more expensive than the cost of a can of pop. So when in doubt, choose water to keep your body hydrated and healthy!

(1)Gleason P, Suitor C. Childrens diets in the mid 1990s: Dietary intake and its relationship with school meal participation. Alexandria, VA: US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation;2001.

(2)Brimacombe C. The effect of extensive consumption of soda pop on the permanent dentition: A case report. Northwest Dentistry 2001;80:23-25.

Historical evidence has shown dentistry being practiced as far back as 7000 BC. This early form of dentistry involved curing tooth related disorders with bow drills (an ancient tool typically used for starting fires). Yikes! Dentist were even filling teeth with beeswax as an early form of a dental filling!

While some of these practices may seem barbaric, they were very advanced for their time considering their limitations with tools and other supplies. During the Middle Ages and throughout the 19th century, dentistry was not a profession in itself, and often dental procedures were performed by barbers or general physicians.

The dental instruments that we use today were adapted tools from watch makers, jewelers and even barbers!

It wouldn’t be until 1867 when Harvard University would found the first university affiliated dental institution.

Dentistry has come a long way and we can all be grateful that the doctors are not using bow drills and beeswax anymore. Thank goodness for modern day advances!