Oral cancer
The most compelling reason for you to see a dentist regularly is for an oral cancer check. “Oral cancers occur more often than people think in older adults—even if they have no risk factors, like smoking or drinking,” Yellowitz says.

“Age is the third biggest risk factor for developing oral cancer. Early detection is critical because these cancers are best treated in early stages, and the surgery for advanced oral cancers can be extensive and disfiguring,” she says.

Early oral cancers are usually not painful. “Mouth cancers are known as ‘the great mimics’ because they’re not unique looking until they get really advanced,” Yellowitz says. “There’s no rule that says what they’re supposed to look like.”

Dentures
If you have dentures, it’s important to have them checked for the proper fit. “Having ill-fitting dentures increases your risk of having problems speaking, eating, and swallowing,” Yellowitz says. “Some researchers indicate that wearing ill-fitting dentures may increase the speed of bone loss in your jaw, which can continue for up to 25 years after teeth are extracted.”

Maintaining good nutrition with ill-fitting dentures is difficult. Loose or ill-fitting dentures make it hard to enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and crunchy whole grain foods.

Medicines and your mouth
A 2003 survey of over 36,000 Medicare beneficiaries showed that 46% take five or more prescription medications. Some dental problems are associated with medications; so inform your dentist of all medications and medical conditions. Your dentist and primary care physician can work as a team to resolve many medication-related dental problems.

“Problems like gum hypertrophy (overgrowth of gum tissue), mouth sores, or even a bitter taste can be associated with certain medications—blood pressure medications, immune suppressors, or anti-inflammatories, for example,” Suneja says. “Adjusting someone’s medications may help to resolve some of these problems.”

Dry mouth is a frequent problem for older adults. “Many older adults are on medications, especially for chronic conditions, that cause a dry mouth,” Suneja says. “Medications for allergies, pain, inflammation, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, antidepressants, and heart and blood pressure medications can all be culprits.”

“If your mouth is dry, you are subject to irritation, cavities, and/or gum disease. It might be difficult to talk, eat or swallow. And if your mouth is frequently dry, you may become dehydrated, which is especially dangerous for older adults,” Yellowitz says.

Choosing a dentist
Shop around for the right dentist. “Talk with your friends to see who they like. Look for a dentist who sees a lot of older adults,” Yellowitz says. “They are more likely to have better knowledge of people with multiple chronic conditions, who may be taking several medications, or who may have memory loss or other dementia-related problems.”