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Oral Health and the Elderly

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 14.7% of Missouri residents are age 65 and older (MODHSS, 2014). Elderly Missouri residents greatly suffer from a negligence of oral health care. Proper oral health care habits, such as brushing and visiting a dentist regularly, allow individuals to have health teeth and gums, maintain chewing ability, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and so much more (WDSF, 2014). Without these preventative measures, the elderly are prone to tooth decay and loss, gum disease, an inability to eat, high cost of dental treatment, and an increased risk of infection, diabetes, dry mouth, and heart disease.

There are a variety of reasons why seniors age 65 and older are at a higher risk for oral health problems. First, many seniors over age 65 live in assisted living situations and do not have access to dental care. These seniors have limited transportation and even if the elderly live on their own, many are not capable of driving themselves. According to an assessment report by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, “the dental assessment in older adults found that individuals living in skilled nursing facilities had worse oral hygiene based on presence of oral debris in the mouth during the screening as well as more serious outcomes like periodontal disease, missing teeth, and untreated decay” (MODHSS, 2014). Second, many seniors are retired, not capable of working, or are currently unemployed for a variety of reasons. As a result, a majority of seniors have limited budgets and cannot afford preventative dental care and expensive treatments. Additionally, seniors also may falsely believe it’s ‘too late’ to begin caring for their teeth at their age. This lack of access to dental care, economic issues, and beliefs influence the oral health of the elderly population.

The previously mentioned hindrances to oral health care for the elderly greatly contribute to the problems they face. In Missouri, 80.6% of elderly individuals have had at least one permanent tooth extracted (MODHSS, 2014). Furthermore, nearly 25% of Missouri seniors have had all permanent teeth extracted, which is almost double the national average (MODHSS, 2014). Almost half of seniors with all permanent teeth extracted have an annual income of less than $15,000. These statistical are alarming and reveal a small glimpse at the urgency of this problem. “A Healthy People 2020 objective has been established for adults 65 to 74 years old, to reduce the proportion of these individuals who had lost all of their natural teeth to 21.6%. Currently for Missouri, this proportion is around 24%” (MODHSS, 2014). This objective is essential because natural teeth are much easier to maintain than dentures and bridges, are often much cheaper than other dental alternatives, allow for natural chewing and swallowing, and can increase self-esteem.

High rates of tooth extraction among seniors can be traced back to a lack of proper oral health care habits and early treatment or prevention. Only 24% of seniors age 65 and older living in a skilled nursing residents have visited a dentist in the past year as of 2012. As a result, 44% of seniors living in skilled nursing residents had untreated tooth decay (MODHSS, 2014). This untreated tooth decay quickly worsens and causes dental caries, bone loss, infections, and extreme pain. Delaying treatment also increases the severity of treatment needed. A small amount of decay can easily be fixed with a filling, but if left untreated, dental decay can easily infect and kill a once healthy tooth. Not only does this increase treatment needs, it also greatly increases treatment cost and makes the dental care even less affordable to many who need it.

The oral health problems experienced by seniors age 65 and older are preventable and treatable. First, oral health awareness will hopefully show the elderly the importance of maintaining proper oral health behaviors regardless of age. This awareness will also be beneficial for employees in skilled nursing residences, which will hopefully increase the prioritization of oral health in these residences by both staff and resident alike. Additionally, increased awareness and education will equip seniors with the skills and knowledge they need to take care of their teeth and prevent dental decay. There are many education opportunities for seniors that can incorporate a plethora of topics. Educational initiatives can target nursing homes, community centers, medical centers, churches, and social groups with large percentages of elderly. These educational initiative can also address oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, as well as providing information for affordable dentistry and transportation to and from dental offices. Overcoming the barriers hindering oral health care for seniors is a large task, but it is something that can improve with time.

Citations

Oral Health in Missouri 2014. (2014). Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://health.mo.gov/living/families/oralhealth/pdf/2014OralHealthReport.pdf

Oral Health for Seniors. (2014). Washington Dental Service Foundation Retrieved September 10, 2015.