Taking care of our teeth as we age is more important than ever. With the average lifespan increasing every year, our teeth need to last longer than before and require more maintenance to keep them for as long as we can. Early diagnosis of problems can prevent much more serious problems down the road including serious problems like gingivitis and pneumonia.

If you are a caregiver or spouse then the following signs should be watched for and immediately seen by a professional:

Dentures: Check for broken or missing pieces especially on dentures that are older or well worn. Also check for dentures that no longer fit. Older people often lose weight as they age, which changes the fit of the denture and can cause sores and infection if left untreated too long.

Malignancies: Look for changes in the gums and oral tissue, especially among smokers. Serious problems would be growths, patches or lesions in the mouth.

Dry mouth: As we get older, we produce less saliva, which causes dryness and discomfort. Dry mouth can also cause bad breath and often leads to increased bacteria and cavities. Many medications are known to cause dry mouth.

Bad breath: It may simple be bad breath but it could also be numerous other more serious illnesses. Check prescription drug warning labels for side effects of halitosis. Other reasons for bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Often older people will forget to brush or won’t remember if they did or didn’t already thus leading to bad breath.

As a caregiver, being aware of these signs can make the difference between a partner that is loving and happy to one that is riddled with oral pain and discomfort.