Older people should not put off going to the dentist regularly, as this could result in a need for emergency dentistry later on.
This is the advice of oral healthcare experts speaking to the Bellingham Herald, who explained that healthy teeth are vital for wellbeing.
Maggie Kriger, who runs the Whatcom County Oral Health Coalition, commented: "Oral health is connected to overall health."
Hygienist Anita Rodriguez said regular check-ups could help to prevent a need for work such as root canal treatment, as problems can be spotted before they get too big.
"The longer you put it off, the more it haunts you," she warned.
Ms Rodriguez added that senior citizens may have more dental health problems than younger people because they could be on medication that dries the mouth or may not be able to brush and floss as effectively.
She recommended asking a professional for help if this is the case.
Earlier this month, a study carried out in Japan and published in the journal Behavioral and Brain Functions found that elderly people whose teeth fall out could be at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.