Survey: Affordability leads over-65s to skip vital dental

Australian Dental Association (ADA) research findings released on 9 April suggest older Australians are skipping vital dental treatments because they can’t afford it, which is resulting in declining oral health. The findings come from ADA’s annual study, which surveyed 25,000. Survey data reveals that 55% of all over-65s delayed seeking dental treatment, with 64% of those who delayed dental trips saying that it was because they couldn’t afford it. Additionally, 47% of this age group reported debilitating oral issues — including a mouth infection, mouth or face swelling and recent tooth or gum pain — compared to 36% of the rest of the community.

The research also reveals that older Australians are making fewer trips to the dentist compared with the rest of the population, with 37% of over-65s visiting every 2–5 years compared to 35% of other age groups, and 23% of over-65s visiting every 5 years compared to 20% of other age groups. “These findings provide a clear picture of what’s happening to the mouths of thousands of Australians over 65,” ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro said. “They can’t get to the dentist regularly because they can’t afford it and so their mouths become a battleground of pain and infection management.

“Some end up in the Emergency Departments — the ADA has found that 16,000 seniors were admitted to hospital for treatment of painful dental issues in 2022–23,” Sanzaro added. “That figure is expected to rise to 22,630 by 2027–28, representing a 42% increase from an already unacceptable level. It’s a health trend that worsens by the year.” Other findings from ADA’s annual survey include that 30% cited concerns around unexpected problems cropping up during a check-up that need unaffordable treatment as another reason for staying away. Sanzaro said 76% of Australians support the introduction of a seniors dental scheme.

Image credit: iStock.com/solidcolours