A survey of senior centers in New Hampshire shows that nearly 19 percent of older adults are in need of early or urgent dental care that may be difficult for them to access.
A total of 610 adults age 60 and older were screened last winter and this spring in the survey, which was funded by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and New Hampshire Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. The survey said 38 of the participants received restorative treatment using state funds.
The survey showed that only 18.4 percent of older adults have some type of dental insurance to help pay for routine dental care. It also showed that 28 percent have no functional top-to-bottom tooth contact, which affects proper chewing, and 15.9 percent have lost all of their natural teeth. About 5.2 percent of those with no teeth have no dentures.
Similarly, 25.4 percent of older adults have untreated decay or root fragments, and 6.8 percent are in need of periodontal care.
The report also showed that older residents living in rural areas and those with lower incomes have a much greater need for dental care.
“Oral diseases and conditions are common among our New Hampshire seniors, many of whom grew up without the benefit of community water fluoridation and other fluoride products,” said Dr. José Montero, director of public health for the state Department of Health and Human Services. “This survey illustrates that New Hampshire seniors with the poorest oral health are those who are economically disadvantaged and live in the most rural parts of our state. This is not a cosmetic issue.”
Source: http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/14701916-95/survey-some-older-adults-in-need-of-dental-care
Visit us: http://www.michelsfamilydental.com/
from paul_fjeldsted http://paul-fjeldsted.livejournal.com/35757.html
A total of 610 adults age 60 and older were screened last winter and this spring in the survey, which was funded by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and New Hampshire Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. The survey said 38 of the participants received restorative treatment using state funds.
The survey showed that only 18.4 percent of older adults have some type of dental insurance to help pay for routine dental care. It also showed that 28 percent have no functional top-to-bottom tooth contact, which affects proper chewing, and 15.9 percent have lost all of their natural teeth. About 5.2 percent of those with no teeth have no dentures.
Similarly, 25.4 percent of older adults have untreated decay or root fragments, and 6.8 percent are in need of periodontal care.
The report also showed that older residents living in rural areas and those with lower incomes have a much greater need for dental care.
“Oral diseases and conditions are common among our New Hampshire seniors, many of whom grew up without the benefit of community water fluoridation and other fluoride products,” said Dr. José Montero, director of public health for the state Department of Health and Human Services. “This survey illustrates that New Hampshire seniors with the poorest oral health are those who are economically disadvantaged and live in the most rural parts of our state. This is not a cosmetic issue.”
Source: http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/14701916-95/survey-some-older-adults-in-need-of-dental-care
Visit us: http://www.michelsfamilydental.com/
from paul_fjeldsted http://paul-fjeldsted.livejournal.com/35757.html
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