As people age, their oral health changes significantly. Most often these include increased risks of gum disease, tooth loss and weaker teeth due to normal processes associated with age such as enamel thinning and reduced immune response; cardiovascular diseases, stroke treatments and cancer treatments may also cause oral complications like dry mouth or sores.
Poor oral health can have lasting repercussions for older people. Missing and loose teeth impede on their ability to eat, speak and socialise; untreated, this may alter food choices and habits in ways that negatively impact health; personal habits like tobacco and alcohol consumption can be particularly detrimental in contributing to an array of oral health problems.
Access to oral care can be a difficult challenge for older people living in poor, institutionalised, or homebound circumstances. Yet their oral health can still benefit by prioritising its integration into wider healthcare systems. Training programmes have been established in care environments to upskill non-dental staff in diagnosing and treating oral health concerns in older patients; programs like Mouth Care Matters in Australia and England’s Oral Health Therapist Programme have produced positive results, including health and social care savings; however, more work needs to be done developing models which prioritise prevention over cure.