Time to brush up on teeth

Age Concern New Zealand media release 11-09-09

Time to brush up on teeth – older people's dental care

Many senior New Zealanders are facing pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and difficulties eating because they cannot afford the dental care they need, Age Concern says.

The national older people's organisation is supporting World Oral Health Day tomorrow, Saturday 12 September to highlight the problem.

"We want policy makers to acknowledge that oral health needs to be given life-long attention," Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Ann Martin says.

“We’re asking for a free annual check-up and subsidies for follow-up treatment.”

"Having healthy teeth and gums is important for overall health throughout life. Subsidised dental services up to the age of 18 give New Zealanders a good start with dental care, but from then on the majority of people are responsible for all their dental costs.

“As people and their teeth get older, dental work often needs to be repaired and gum disease needs to be prevented or treated.

“Cost then becomes a big problem for many older people as their incomes decrease and their need for dental treatment increases.

"Too often, extractions are the only dental care that people can afford," Ann Martin says.

“Missing teeth can make chewing and swallowing difficult which can lead to poor nutrition and frailty."

Age Concern wants to see increased awareness of the importance of good oral health for good general health.

"A free annual dental check-up and subsidies for the treatment they need would significantly improve the wellbeing of many older New Zealanders," Ann Martin says.

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