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Dental Health Legislation - update

UPDATE:

In 2006, the legislature voted to restore Dental and Vision Benefits to MassHealth beneficiaries! Thank you to everyone who worked to make this happen, and to the legislators who recognized the importance of these services to overall health! Well done!

Dental Care is Essential for People Who Take Psychiatric Medications.  Many Psychiatric Medications Cause Dry Mouth:

The bill (H-3101) to restore Dental Care for Mass. Health recipients and bill (H-2762) restoring both dental/vision and other services including prosthetics are being sponsored by Representative Teahan and are currently in the Health Finance Committee, chaired by Representative Patricia Walrath.  She is in room 236.  You could also contact your own legislator concerning these bills..


Is there a drought in your mouth ?*


Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.  It is known as Xerostomia.Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva to keep your mouth wet.  It is known as Xerostomia.


Saliva is the “workhorse of the mouth” Saliva is necessary to help protect the teeth in these important ways:

  • Saliva is 98% water and includes antibodies, enzymes and mucoprotein and gives saliva that slimy feeling.

  • There are three sets of saliva glands, each producing different proportions of mucous and serous saliva.

  • Saliva constantly flushes the mouth to clear food debris that may act as a food supply for the bacteria in plaque.

  • It reduces the acidity in the mouth which helps to limit tooth decay by these acid attacks

  • Saliva contains fluorides and minerals needed to rebuild damaged tooth enamel.

  • It help digest food

  • It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth through its antimicrobial action.


Dry Mouth can:

  1. Be caused by certain medication or medical treatments

  2. Cause difficulties tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking

  3. Increase your chance of developing tooth decay and other infections in the mouth

  4. Be a sign of certain diseases and conditions

    *This information was obtained from www.dentalgentlecare.com/dry_mouth.htm


























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