Neglected oral health of elderly concerns charity

More needs to be done to improve the oral health of elderly residents in home-based care, according to a dental charity.

The call comes after new research discovered oral health among homebound senior residents was poor and their quality of life was ‘significantly affected’ by the lack of basic dental care.

The results of the study showed those who had at least one natural tooth had increased levels of oral health problems, resulting in a lower quality of life. A third (33.6 per cent) complained of current pain and/or discomfort and approaching three in four people (71.4 per cent) had at least one tooth with the appearance that, if it was touched, would bleed heavily.

A similar number of people studied (75.8 per cent) had at least one tooth with severe gum disease. There was also a marked absence of dentures for those with no natural teeth, as less than one in five (18 per cent) lacked an appropriate denture.

Almost six in ten said they ‘often or always’ had limitations and problems with the type of foods they could eat, speaking clearly, and their general appearance.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “Earlier this year we reported on the lack of dental care for the elderly and the need for provisions to improve. The results of this study further emphasise the scale of the problems they will face if their oral health is continually neglected.

“Elderly people have some very specific dental needs with many suffering from decay due to changes in saliva flow that occur with age or as a result of prescription drug use. If these needs aren’t met and become neglected, you will see the types of problems witnessed in the study, most notably increased tooth mobility, which will eventually lead to losing teeth.

“All this occurs at a time when self-care through toothbrushing may become more difficult due to decreasing manual dexterity. It is particularly important for older people to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time using a fluoride toothpaste. Use of mouthwashes to help prevent plaque build-up or products specifically developed for dry mouth can also help them maintain optimum oral care and prevent problems. Demographic projections show that the proportion of people over 60 will continue to increase, so these requirements are really important.

"Of even more concern is the fact that untreated gum disease can lead to inhaled bacteria and pneumonia, often fatal in a frail population so improving oral care really could help prolong life.

"If you have elderly parents or grandparents who are homebound, while you’re visiting them this Christmas it might be a good idea to ask them or their carer about their oral hygiene routine. It’s something that is often overlooked, and even more so over the festive period. There are dentists who carry out home visits, so it is worth checking in your local area to see if there’s one available.”