As you age, it affects nearly every aspect of your health, and your dental health is no exception. You know that making healthy choices when it comes to food, getting some exercise, and seeing your doctor regularly can help prevent or delay some of the more negative effects of aging. You also have a lot of control about your dental health. To learn more about how to remedy four of the more common dental problems that affect older people, read on.

1. Inflamed and sore gums: Some of your body systems are not working as efficiently as usual, and the ability to fight off infection has been diminished. Bacteria is present in everyone's mouth, but if allowed to enter the gum area through a cavity or other skin break, infection can occur. A little bleeding when you brush, or a feeling of soreness and sensitivity in your gum area could be signs of a major problem. You may have gingivitis, or even periodontitis. This is no minor infection; if left to progess it could end up causing bone loss in the jaw area.

2. Missing teeth: Sure, it's embarrassing to smile when you have some missing teeth, but the real issue may be far more serious than that. Your teeth that sit beside the missing space will gradually start to shift over time, which creates a domino effect of more shifts. Shifting teeth mean loose teeth, which become more vulnerable to breakage, cavities and gum disease. Address missing teeth as soon as possible with the use of dentures, bridges or implants, which keep teeth where they belong.

3. Dry mouth: You may consider your dry mouth issue to be irritating, but minor, but it actually far more serious than you might imagine. Dry mouth is usually a side effect of medication or diseases like diabetes. Saliva works constantly to keep your mouth and teeth clean, which can prevent cavities and gum diseases. To help supply more cleansing and keep your mouth feeling more comfortable, you may need to use over-the-counter remedies like Biotene or Oasis.

4. Cancer: One of the most alarming thing to know about oral cancer is how difficult it is to see early on. The symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer can begin with very tiny bumps on the inside of your mouth, too small to be felt. Your dentist, however, will be able to see them and with early diagnosis and treatment this cancer is entirely survivable. Just one more reason to make sure you don't miss those regular dental exams and cleanings.

Don't put your dentist appointment off, call for a check up today.