Regular recourse to care, but less frequent with advancing age
6 out of 10 seniors have recourse to a dentist at least once a year, 8 out of 10 seniors in the past two years.
However, as age increases, consultations become less frequent over time. For example, 69% of 65-69 year olds travel annually, whereas they are only 56% over 80 years old.
The frequency of consultations with seniors is also closely linked to their standard of living. Thus, if 65% of them financially comfortable consult annually, they are only 44% in the event of financial difficulties.
Rather satisfactory hygiene practices and oral health
Among 65-85 year olds, 50% say they brush their teeth twice a day, 13% once a day,
34% at least three times a day. However, there is room for improvement: only 33% of respondents regularly use an interdental brush.
In addition, 30% of respondents report problems with oral quality of life, with a predominance of gingival bleeding and tooth sensitivity.
Among the positive figures, only 7% of seniors no longer have any natural teeth (while 49% have more than 20 natural teeth).
Regarding removable dental appliances, 4 out of 10 seniors say they wear one.
Beware of removable dentures
Among seniors wearing a removable dental prosthesis, 40% have had their current appliance for more than 10 years – regardless of their age – with 9 out of 10 patients who say they are satisfied with it … However, a removable dental prosthesis has a lifespan limited.
It erodes over time and a regular check-up with the dentist remains necessary to check its maintenance and adjustment.
To sum up, for neo-Aquitaine seniors living at home, the challenge for the next few years is to maintain current oral hygiene practices, or even improve them, to contribute to a better quality of life.
A check and possibly a renewal of removable dental prostheses more than 10 years old constitute a point of vigilance. Remember that oral health is a determinant of well-being and overall health.
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