As you age, you might be worried about keeping your spine healthy and retaining your mental acuity. However, you should also add dental health to your wellness priorities. If certain issues fly under the radar, you might one day need oral surgery. Use the following list to find out which dental problems you should look out for.

3 Common Dental Problems for Seniors

1. Cavities

While you might associate this dental issue with children, cavities are also common for senior citizens. Instead of candy and poor brushing habits, decay in seniors is often a consequence of dry mouth.

This condition is a common side effect of medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, allergies, and the symptoms of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Without enough saliva to wash bacteria and food scraps out of the mouth, the risk of decay increases.

Prevent cavities by drinking more water and brushing your teeth in the middle of the day as well as in the morning and before bed.

2. Oral Cancer

Unfortunately, people over 40 are more at risk of developing oral cancer. Drinking alcohol or smoking for many years makes you even more likely to receive a diagnosis.

Dentists screen for this disease at every biannual checkup, so don’t miss an appointment. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to eliminate with oral surgery and other treatments.

3.  Gum Disease

As people age, hygiene practices can become increasingly difficult to maintain, especially with mobility issues.

A lack of proper brushing and flushing will allow plaque to accumulate around the gum line, which can harden into tartar. Excessive tartar will cause the gums to recede, leaving pockets around the teeth for food debris and bacteria to linger. In some cases, this can result in gum disease, which leads to a weaker jaw and missing teeth.

To prevent gum disease, keep up with your oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Dentists can also look for warning signs of gum deterioration and perform oral surgery to fortify the gum line.

To find out how your smile is aging, schedule an appointment with Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. This Anchorage office is led by surgeons Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway, both of whom are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Whether you’re dealing with an infected tooth or gum disease, you can trust this oral surgery team to restore your smile. To learn more about their facility, visit the website. You can also call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment.