Oral health changes at different stages in your life, which means different problems arise at different times. When it comes to senior oral health, there are specific problems that are more common at this stage in life than at other times. Here are the four most common oral health problems seen at this stage in life:

1. Cavities: The reason cavities are more present in the elderly is because they don't usually go to the dentist as often as they used to. This is usually because, as they et older, it becomes lower on their priority list to have a beautiful, white smile. However, going to the dentist is more than just having a white smile. It's also important to preventing cavities, tooth decay, and detecting possible signs of oral cancer. 
2. Problems With Eating: When you begin to experience trouble with eating, it's usually because of a problem with your oral health. Since many elderly have had teeth work done, such as the insertion of implants or the use of dentures to replace teeth that have fallen out, the difficultly eating could stem because these need to be replaced or refitted in the mouth. It could also indicate that there is possible tooth decay and teeth need to be pulled and replaced to help with strength. 
3. Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a common problem for seniors because saliva production usually decreases with age. This can be quite uncomfortable and lead to bad breath. When you visit your dentist, they can help by providing prescriptions and advice for increasing saliva production, which is really important for washing away bacteria and keeping your mouth moist, which is important for comfort. 
4. Gum Disease: Gum disease is another common problem caused by infection and often goes undetected for some time. This leads to problem with teeth falling out and can even lead to sores developing on the gums that can be quite painful. If not treated, it can even lead to oral cancer. The reason gum disease is more present in the elderly is because there is often more bacteria in the mouth that can cause infection usually due to the decrease in saliva production. 

When you know the most common reasons for oral health problems in the elderly, you can be proactive to preventing these things once you reach this stage in your own life. Going to the dentist regularly is the most beneficial way to prevent these issues and discuss what you can do at home to effectively prevent it. For more information, contact companies like Crest Hill Family Dental.