FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular Checkups
1) Do I still need to get regular checkups if I have no
dental problems?
• YES! Older adults are at risk for getting cavities,
gum disease and mouth cancer – and these may
not cause any pain or discomfort until they
are advanced.
• Everyone needs to see their dentist for a checkup
at least once a year – preferably more often.
2) What if I have none of my natural teeth, do I still
need to get regular checkups?
• YES! People with no natural teeth are at risk for
mouth cancer as well as gum problems. Denture
wearers need to have their mouth and their
dentures checked at least once a year.
3) I still have most of my teeth; can I keep them for
the rest of my life?
• YES! Older adults need to keep their mouths
clean by brushing and flossing and they should see
their dentist once or twice a year (or more often,
if needed).
Changing Mouth
4) Does your mouth change as you get older?
• YES! Among other things, the nerves in your teeth
can become smaller with age, making your teeth
less sensitive to cavities or other problems.
5) Are older people more likely to lose their teeth
than younger people?
• YES! Older adults are less likely to feel pain in their
teeth which may keep them from getting care until
it is too late to save the tooth.
Cavities & Fluoride
6) Can older people still get cavities?
• YES!
7) How does this happen?
• Exposed root surfaces and older fillings are prone
to cavities. Medications that dry the mouth and
selection of softer, sweeter foods put them at
greater risk of getting cavities.
• Old fillings sometimes break down and become
sites for cavities.
What about fluoride, does it help older adults?
• YES! Natural teeth can always be helped by fluoride
Mouth Cancer
9) Are older adults at risk for mouth cancer?
• YES! As with many other cancers, older adults are
more likely to get mouth cancer than
younger people.
• Everyone is at a greater risk of getting mouth
cancer if they use tobacco, drink alcohol a lot or are
repeatedly exposed to the sunlight.
10) How do I know if I have mouth cancer? Does it
cause pain?
• Mouth cancer can be a red or white patch or any
change in your mouth that lasts for more than 2
weeks. Oral cancer is typically painless in the early
stages, making regular dentist visits for a complete
oral examination very important.
11) What if I think I have cancer in my mouth?
• See your dentist immediately to get a thorough oral
cancer examination.
• As with other cancers, the earlier mouth cancer is
treated, the better the prognosis will be.
Periodontal Disease
12) What is periodontal disease? Can I get it?
• YES! Periodontal disease is an infection of
your gums.
• Everyone with natural teeth is at risk of getting it.
13) How can I prevent getting periodontal disease?
You can prevent periodontal disease by:
• Cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly
every day
• Getting regular checkups from your dentist
• Following the advice of your dentist and
dental hygienist
14) What can happen if I get gum disease?
• With gum disease, you may have difficulty eating,
bad breath and pain.
• Severe gum disease has also been associated
with pneumonia in long-term care patients, heart
disease, stroke, and poor diabetic control.