Caring for a loved one in a long-term care home comes with many responsibilities, and oral health is often overlooked. But did you know that seniors are at a higher risk for oral cancer? It’s a silent threat—one that can grow unnoticed, especially in those who struggle to express pain or discomfort.
At Golden Care, we’ve spent 35+ years providing on-site oral healthcare to seniors, ensuring that conditions like oral cancer are caught early—without the stress of off-site appointments. Here’s what every family member should know.
Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat, often with subtle symptoms. Several factors increase the risk for seniors, including:
🔹 Age – The majority of oral cancer cases occur in those over 55.
🔹 Dry Mouth – Common in seniors due to medications, a dry mouth creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria.
🔹 Ill-Fitting Dentures – Constant irritation from poorly fitting dentures can lead to sores that may become cancerous.
🔹 Tobacco & Alcohol Use – Long-term exposure increases risk significantly.
🔹 Difficulty Expressing Pain – Many seniors, especially those with dementia, may not communicate discomfort, allowing cancer to progress unnoticed.
Since seniors may not always verbalize discomfort, families should pay attention to signs like:
✅ Sores that don’t heal
✅ Red or white patches in the mouth
✅ Difficulty swallowing or speaking
✅ Unexplained weight loss
✅ Persistent mouth pain
