"I have worked with elderly patients over the last several years, and I have seen a handful of common issues and illnesses in this age group. Untreated tooth decay is the most frequent, which is easy to understand as many older adults don't have the mobility and cognitive abilities to brush their teeth and floss regularly, leading to cavities. Also, most older adults take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, many of which can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities. Gum disease and tooth loss are other issues. Having missing teeth or wearing dentures can affect nutrition, so it's important to help educate family or caregivers about this potential issue, so they can take measures to prevent this from happening. Lastly, I have seen a lot of cases of oral cancer diagnoses in older adults, so part of my job includes educating younger patients on the risks of using tobacco products."