A little tidbit from the "Advice from The Doctors" at usaweekend.com. At least 20% of Americans have one or more untreated cavities. Ignored, cavities can get larger, deeper and cause severe aches, infection or even tooth loss. Don't wait for pain to see the dentist; schedule regular checkups and cleanings once or twice a year. And be sure to tell your dentist about medicines you take. Dry mouth - a common cause of cavities in older adults - is a side effect in about 500 drugs, including those for allergies, asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, pain, and Alzheimer's disease. To relieve dry-mouth symptoms, drink more water or chew sugar-free gum. And, as always, if you have any questions about your oral health, don't hesitate to call us!