More seniors than ever are living out their lives with their own natural teeth instead of dentures. This is a triumph for the dental community, but according to Oahu Dental Care, a family dentist office in Pearl City, HI, even with the advancements in oral health care, patients over 55 should still be aware of the many dental problems known to affect their age group. This will help them maintain their teeth with fewer problems.

Here are a few dental issues known to occur more commonly in individuals over the age of 55:

• Dry Mouth: It probably never occurs to most people, but dry mouth is not a normal condition. However, many of the medications (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's) seniors commonly take have dry mouth as a side effect. Tell your dentist if you are taking any medications so they will be able to make recommendations to treat your dry mouth and decrease the likelihood of tooth decay occurring.

• Gum Disease: Many people go for years without professional teeth cleanings, which allows plaque to build up and results in gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from teeth, creating pockets where more food particles can collect. In its advanced stages, this disease can even completely destroy the gums plus the supporting bone and ligaments of the tooth. The good news is gum disease is completely preventable: Just visit your dentist regularly.

• Mouth Cancer: Each year, there are around 35,000 cases of mouth, throat, and tongue cancer diagnosed, and the average age of those diagnosed is 62. Regular dentist visits are important to check for oral cancer, as it very often goes unnoticed. Symptoms to be aware of include open sores in the mouth, lip changes, and white or reddish patches.

At Oahu Dental Care, the team offers many dental services for those in the senior community, including dentures and porcelain veneers. If you would like to schedule an appointment to check on the condition of your oral health, call (808) 456-5005. You can also learn more about this Pearl City dentist by visiting them online.