Good oral health is important to maintain good overall health. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop stated, "You are not healthy without good oral health." Oral health problems can cause pain and suffering as well as difficulty in speaking, chewing and swallowing. Certain medications used to treat various diseases, as well as smoking and alcohol use, can also affect oral health.

Considering tooth loss a normal part of aging is a myth. More people over age 65 are keeping their teeth than ever before. Cavities and their complications are the primary reason for tooth extraction for persons of all ages. Left untreated, cavities may result in pain and suffering. Cavities are preventable. Good home care such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, drinking fluoridated water, and having regular dental checkups, are ways to prevent cavities.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth. gum disease can also result in the loss of teeth. It often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time. Older persons are not necessarily more susceptible to gum disease, the effects (bone loss and gum recession) are just more evident as we age. Preventing gum disease through good home care and regular dental visits is important. Certain factors can increase the risk of gum disease, such as smoking, chewing tobacco use, poorly positioned teeth, ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures, poor diet and systemic diseases such as anemia. Recent studies show possible associations between gum disease and diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which are major causes of death among the elderly.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) was once considered to be part of aging. This too is a myth. Healthy older adults produce as much saliva as younger adults. Dry mouth happens when salivary glands fail to work properly as a result of various diseases or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck. It is also a side effect of more than 400 commonly used medicines, including drugs for high blood pressure, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Dry mouth may make it hard to eat, swallow, taste, or speak, and can lead to cavities and infection. To relieve dryness, drink extra water and avoid sugary snacks, beverages with caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, which increase dryness in the mouth.

About 95 percent of oral cancers are found in people over age 40. The disease frequently goes unnoticed in its early, curable stages. Pain is not usually an early symptom of this disease. Regular visits to the dentist can increase the chance of early detection. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly for an oral cancer exam. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that first show in the mouth. Smoking in combination with heavy alcohol consumption (30+ drinks/week) is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Prolonged exposure to the sun may put you at risk for cancer on the lip.

Take a preventative approach to your oral and general health. Establish a dental home before you have a problem. A dentist will be more willing to work with your schedule and finances if you are an established patient. Once you establish a dental home, visit regularly, reduce your risk factors, and alert your dentist or doctor to any changes you notice in and around your mouth.