Advancing age puts many older adults at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as the following:

Darkened teeth. Changes in dentin -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
Dry mouth . Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, Cancer treatments, & diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and medications.
Diminished sense of taste. Advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, & dentures can also contribute.
Root decay. Exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
Gum disease . Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
Tooth loss. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Uneven jawbone. This is caused by tooth loss.
Denture-induced stomatitis. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, .
Thrush Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing difficult to impossible to perform. Medications you may be taking can also affect your oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.