August 2025 | Why Oral Health Matters for Whole-Person Care

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August 2025

Wellness starts with a smile!

This August, SOS is proud to celebrate National Wellness Month by recognizing the important connection between oral health and overall well-being. A healthy mouth doesn’t just mean fresh breath and bright smiles — it also supports better nutrition, easier social connection, and fewer health complications.

For our residents, regular oral care makes mealtimes more enjoyable, conversations more comfortable, and everyday living healthier. For families and facilities, it brings peace of mind knowing small preventive steps add up to stronger outcomes and happier communities.

As we move into the fall, SOS is excited to continue sharing our mission at upcoming community and professional events that shine a spotlight on the importance of senior oral health.

Mouth Moisture Matters

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications and can lead to cavities and discomfort. Encourage sipping water, offering water-rich foods like cucumbers and melons, and using alcohol-free rinses. Sugar-free gums or lozenges with Xylitol are also a great option — they stimulate saliva flow, help keep the mouth moist, and even reduce cavity-causing bacteria.

Each month, we’re proud to spotlight one of the amazing oral care specialists who make our work possible—and this time, we’re excited to feature Angela!

Angela’s dedication, compassion, and kindness shine through in everything she does. She truly connects with her residents, brightening their days and helping them feel cared for and valued.

Take a moment to get to know Angela—you’ll quickly see why she’s such a special part of our SOS team!

9/10/2025: Buncombe County Dental Society
Featured Speaker: Pat Poole

Our advisor Pat Poole will speak to the Buncombe County Dental Society on September 10, joined by SOS co-owner, Diana. Pat has dedicated her career to advancing oral health for older adults. She holds degrees in dental hygiene and education from UNC Chapel Hill, has worked in clinical practice, served as an adjunct professor, and contributed to research such as Mouth Care Without a Battle. She has co-authored numerous articles, earned national recognition (including the SUNSTAR/RDH Award of Distinction), and continues to train caregivers to deliver quality oral care across all stages of dementia.

9/10/2025: Chamber/Venture Asheville Demo Day
Presenters: Kelly & Ann

That same evening, SOS co-owners Kelly and Ann will pitch at Demo Day, Venture Asheville’s signature showcase of rising startups. Their talk, “The New Standard of Care,” will spotlight how SOS is redefining oral health for dependent adults in long-term care—challenging outdated “one-size-fits-all” standards and showing why weekly preventive care is critical to residents’ health.

It’s an exciting opportunity to share our mission with investors, community leaders, and innovators, while highlighting the urgent need for better oral health solutions in senior living communities.

📍 Sun Soo Martial Arts, East Asheville
🕔 Lobby opens 5:45pm, pitches begin 6:15pm
🎟️ Tickets required; light bites & refreshments included

Stay Connected with Us!

We love staying in touch with the families we serve! Most oral health problems arise between dental visits, which is why our team provides weekly preventative oral care services, bringing expert care directly to your loved ones.

“The professional quality and personal attention of the services offered are outstanding. Not only are the oral cleaning services beneficial for the recipient’s healthcare but they also serve as an important source of comfort and relief for family members from what otherwise would be an ongoing daily concern about their loved one’s oral hygiene and its impact upon their health.”

Sidney B. Spouse of resident

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