ARC CEPAR revealed that Australia’s ageing population reached 4.31 million in 2021. That translates to 1 in 6 Australians are aged 65 and above. So, what’s concerning about this?
Declining oral health is one prime hallmark of the aging process. As Australia’s population ages, there’s an uptick in seniors experiencing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Often overlooked, these lead to complications–from difficulty eating and infection to social isolation.
In this article, let’s uncover data-driven insights into Australian seniors’ dental health, including the prevalence of oral issues, dental care access, and treatment trends.
Overview of Senior Dental Health in Australia
How common are dental problems among seniors? Research shows that about 11% of Australian adults have an inadequate dentition or lower than 21 teeth. While that alone is concerning, such a condition is more common among seniors.
Let’s explore how older Australians’ dental health declined over the years.
Current State of Oral Health Among Australian Seniors
In Australia, over 95% of the population born before 1970 experienced some form of tooth decay. About a third of these conditions remain untreated. Additionally, one in three dentate adult patients has moderate gum disease.
When these remain untreated, they will likely develop into severe oral issues later. National Dental Care even reported that over 60% of Aussies reaching 75 years of age suffered from gum disease due to untreated earlier conditions. Such neglected conditions contributed to 1 in 3 Aussies having complete tooth loss within the same age group.
Demographic Breakdown of Senior Population
Insufficient oral healthcare has serious implications for older Australians. Around 4.2 million Aussies aged 65 and over are likely to suffer from it. By 2066, seniors will comprise 21-23% of the population, posing a huge challenge in the country’s dental landscape.
Trends in Senior Dental Health Over the Years
Did seniors’ oral health improve over the decade? The number of Australians aged 65-74 with poor oral health rose by 26% in 2017-18 from 18% in 2004-06. Among elders aged 75 and over, it increased from 18% to 23%. What’s more, the case for untreated tooth decay had risen from 22% (2004-06) to 27% (2017-18) for older Aussies.
Between 2013 and 2018, the number of elderly Australians who experienced toothache spiked by 13%. That explains why adequate dental care and hygiene are essential early in life. Aside from personal oral care, professional dental checkups and cleanings are crucial to curbing these health issues.
Common Dental Issues Faced by Seniors
Oral health deteriorates with age, often due to clinical conditions and personal care. As you age, dental decay and gum disease are more frequent. Besides these two conditions, seniors are susceptible to mouth ulcers, oral cancers, tooth impactions, and traumatic mouth injuries. Let’s explore these in more detail.
Tooth Loss and Edentulism Statistics
Older Australians aged 65 and over had an average of 13.7 missing teeth in 2017-18. That’s over five times higher than people aged 15-24, with only 2.5 missing teeth. In extreme cases, about 15% of Australian seniors have lost all-natural teeth, called edentulism.
Edentulism may stem from the cumulative effects of oral health issues. Common risk factors for this condition include excessive smoking and alcohol use. Around 1 in 7 adults in 2017-18 were edentulous, highlighting how seniors have limited access to dental care and preventive services.
Gum Disease and Periodontal Health in the Elderly
Plaque buildup harbours bacteria capable of producing toxins to irritate and inflame gums. When this gum inflammation remains untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, damaging the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
Such advanced gum disease causes teeth to become loose, leading to tooth sensitivity and recurring tooth loss. About 59% of older Australians had periodontitis in 2017-18, underscoring how professional dental cleaning is critical to eliminating plaque buildup and avoiding severe gum infections.
Denture Usage and Satisfaction Rates
With older people’s deteriorating oral condition, about 29.1% of Australian seniors in 2017-18 felt uncomfortable with how their mouths or teeth appeared. That suggests why almost 12% of adults use dentures, with nearly 42% of wearers aged 65 and above.
About 86% of Australian elders with complete tooth loss use complete dentures, while partial dentures are more common in seniors with less tooth loss. Many patients find it easier to adapt to removable partial dentures than full dentures, often leading to increased satisfaction with prolonged use.
Prevalence of Oral Cancers in Seniors
Cancer Council Victoria records show that the oral cancer diagnosis rate is 16.8 per 100,000 males and 5.9 per 100,000 females. This condition may develop at ages 64 for males and 67 for females. While tobacco and alcohol use are its strongest risk factors, the survival rate of oral cancers was 76%, often detected early in oral and dental examinations.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) and Its Impact on Seniors’ Oral Health
Around 25% of older Australians experience dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva acts as the body’s primary shield from tooth decay. While saliva flow declines with age, causes may include medical conditions, medication side effects, and radiation therapies. Insufficient saliva to neutralise the acids from plaque increases the risk of extensive decay among senior patients.
Access to Dental Care for Seniors in Australia
Do Australian seniors have adequate dental care access? Robust dental services are essential to older people, given their complex medical needs, frail conditions, or limited mobility. In 2017-18 alone, around 56-59% of older people accessed dental clinics.
That equates to 1 in 7 (14%) older Australians aged 65+ receiving public dental care. The public dentistry waiting list included about 1 in 12 (8.3%) elders. Besides long wait times and limited facilities, 22% of seniors have avoided or delayed dental services due to cost.
Around 18% of older patients even reported difficulty paying a $200 bill. That’s why seeking private dental insurance and government programs like Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards or Aged Care Dental Program is critical to cut out-of-pocket dental costs for seniors. While trimming costs is beneficial, the shortage of dental health professionals with skills in geriatric care remains a substantial barrier across the country.
Dental Treatment Trends Among Seniors
Given Australia’s growing ageing demographics, the country’s dental treatment shifts to catering to older people with intricate oral needs. With advancements in dental care, seniors opt for superior treatments that restore functionality and aesthetics. Let’s learn more about such trends.
Most Common Dental Treatments for Seniors
In recent years, older people aged 65+ have received more clinical dental services than any other age group. The National Study of Adult Oral Health shows that 2 in 3 seniors require more fillings than younger people. Meanwhile, about 14% of seniors perceive a need for dentures.
Other treatments suited for seniors include crowns, bridges, and implants, commonly used to replace one or more lost teeth. While only 5.4% of adults aged 35-54 opted for dental implants in 2021, almost 15% of people aged 55-74 used implants as alternatives to dentures.
Growth in Cosmetic Dental Procedures in Seniors
Australia’s increasing senior dental health awareness catapults the trends to correct dental imperfections through cosmetic dentistry. Some of the most sought-after procedures older adults opt for are teeth whitening and veneers, ideal for a complete smile makeover.
Given that dental structure deteriorates over time, teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment among seniors to enhance the appearance of their pearly whites. Such treatment is ideal whether in-office or take-home kits. Meanwhile, porcelain veneers are versatile, non-invasive solutions to restore dental flaws like chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth.
Adoption of Advanced Dental Technologies for Seniors
The integration of cutting-edge technologies refines the country’s senior dental health landscape. In addition to enhancing treatment precision and accuracy, these technological advancements elevate patient experience among older adults. Here are a few of these dental technologies:
- Laser Dentistry: Uses a focused beam of light for highly precise procedures, including cavity preparation, gum tissue reshaping, and teeth whitening. It’s ideal for seniors with sensitive teeth or gums as it minimises discomfort and recovery time.
- Digital Impressions: This technique employs advanced scanning methods to capture precise 3D images of teeth and gums. This technology provides more accurate treatment planning and better-fitting repairs, accelerating restorations among seniors.
- Minimal Invasive Techniques: Advanced techniques such as air abrasion, fillings, inlays and onlays restorations preserve more natural tooth structure and reduce patient anxiety. Laser therapies also address gum disease, curtailing healthy tissue removal.
Preventive Measures and Oral Hygiene Practices for Seniors
Dental structures are susceptible to wear and tear despite adequate personal care. That explains why dental check-ups are crucial to detect early and prevent oral issues. In Australia, almost three out of five older people had dental visits in 2017-18.
Aside from regular checkups, good oral hygiene habits are key to keeping senior dental health issues at bay as you age. Daily toothbrushing and flossing don’t change, even for seniors. Unfortunately, almost 97% of Australian adults only brush their teeth once per day. Limiting tobacco, alcohol, and sugar intake is also important for seniors to maintain robust oral health.
However, following optimal oral hygiene is challenging for elders with special conditions. That’s where caregivers come in, providing consistent assistance with dental care and hygiene routines among seniors. Alongside caregivers, educational interventions can improve seniors’ oral health and reduce dental-related hospitalisations.
Impact of Oral Condition on Senior’s Overall Health
Harvard Health reveals that people with poor oral condition have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart or stroke than individuals with good oral health. As people age, tooth loss is associated with coronary heart disease, often due to heavy cigarette smoking.
What’s more, gum disease makes diabetes harder to manage for most affected senior patients. Poor oral health also increases the risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and pulmonary disease. As oral health worsens among older patients, this affects them mentally, leading to social isolation, withdrawal, and decreased self-esteem.
Inadequate dentition makes chewing and swallowing food challenging. That can result in nutritional deficiencies, primarily affecting seniors with severe oral health issues. That’s reason enough to prioritise oral health. Aside from optimal oral hygiene, consulting with expert dental professionals is key to sidestep oral health complications.
Get Your Expert Dental Care With Us
Even though older Australians had 2-3 dental visits annually, only 1 in 7 (14%) received public dental care. This stark reality in the country’s dental landscape underscores the urgent need for proactive care among seniors. By prioritising routine checkups and preventive care, older people ensure pristine oral condition as part of healthy ageing.
At Aesthetic Dental Clinic, we specialise in senior dental care treatments. We employ the highest calibre of dental services that are cost-effective, safe, and reliable. Our expert team offers personalised dental care and support tailored to older people’s unique needs.
Contact us at 02 4655 4438 or book an appointment to receive top-notch aged dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do seniors in Australia face the most common dental issues?
Older Australians aged 65 and above had about 13.7 missing teeth in 2017-18. Almost 59% had advanced gum disease (periodontitis), while roughly 15% of seniors had complete tooth loss. Unfortunately, many of these oral health issues have increased in recent years due to inadequate dental care and poor oral hygiene.
How often should seniors visit the dentist?
Although the recommended dental visit is twice yearly, it’s more frequent for older adults with specialised dental conditions. Routine checkups are essential to monitor oral health or identify and treat potential issues early. Dental visits also help seniors tailor oral hygiene to their current dental state.
Are there specialised dental treatments available for seniors?
Yes. Specialised dental treatments exist, especially for seniors with frail or complex medical needs. One prime example is implantology, involving the surgical insertion of dental implants in the jawbone to provide a sturdy foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Other treatments include periodontal care, which includes scaling and root planing to manage elders’ gum issues.
How does poor oral health affect overall senior dental health?
Poor oral health increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Gum disease is often harder to manage among diabetic seniors due to slow tissue healing. With inadequate dentition, one-quarter of older Aussies avoid eating some foods due to teeth concerns. Exacerbating nutritional deficiency and poor dental appearance can affect their confidence in smiling, speaking, or socialising.
What can caregivers do to help maintain the oral health of seniors?
Caregivers are pivotal in providing consistent assistance with oral hygiene and dental care among elders. They can encourage seniors to brush and floss regularly to maintain a pristine oral state. Consider soft food if chewing is difficult and increase water uptake to avoid the risks of dry mouth among patients. Caregivers and attendants can also schedule regular dental appointments to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life and prevent oral issues.
