The mouth prepares food for proper digestion, protects the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, and helps us talk. These functions require healthy teeth and gums, good sensation, and working salivary glands. If disease affects any of these parts, the consequences can be serious.

The following are questions you can ask your healthcare provider about disorders of the mouth:

1. I have heard that disease in the mouth can affect the rest of my body. Is this true?
2. Dental check-ups are expensive. How important are they for me now that I'm older?
3. When I brush my teeth my gums bleed. What should I do about this?
4. I often get painful sores in my mouth. What causes this and how can I prevent it?
5. The corners of my mouth get painful cracks in them. Why does this happen, and what can I do about it?
6. I have an ulcer in my mouth, but it doesn't hurt. What should I do about this?
7. I can feel a lumpy area in my mouth. It doesn't hurt. What should I do about this?
8. I have heard of oral cancer screening. What is it, and should I have this done?
9. I have noticed some lumps in my neck that weren't there before. What should I do about this?
10. My food doesn't taste like it used to. What can I do about this?
11. I have noticed dark spots on my teeth near the gum, but my teeth don't hurt. Should I have a dentist look at my teeth?
12. My mouth often feels dry now. Can I do anything about this?
13. Would drinking more water help my dry mouth?
14. Could any of my medicines cause dry mouth?
15. Are there diseases that cause dry mouth?
16. What kind of toothpaste is best?
17. What kind of toothbrush should I use?
18. Does smoking affect my mouth, teeth or gums?
19. Does chewing tobacco affect my mouth, teeth or gums?
20. I've heard that smoking and drinking alcohol harms the mouth. Is this true?
21. I have diabetes. Does this affect my mouth, teeth or gums?
22. When I visited my mother in the nursing home her mouth had dried up bits of food in it. What should I do about this?
23. I have had dentures for many years, but they don't fit well any more. How important is this? Dental care is expensive and I'm on a limited budget.
24. I like to eat candy in the evenings. Is this bad for my teeth?
25. What foods can help my teeth and gums stay healthy?
26. I sometimes choke on my food and end up coughing. This didn't happen when I was younger. Does it matter?