So animal is the average trip to the dentist
More elderly people than ever today visit the dentist. According to Statistics Denmark’s latest statement, the age group is 60+ 47 percent of all dental visits, and the figures have risen steadily over ten years. Nevertheless, a new study from the University of Copenhagen points out that 57 percent of the elderly still need dental treatment, and shame and economy are major reasons for this.
The study, which is part of healthy mouth throughout life (SMUHL) project, which runs until 2025, shows that 23 percent of the elderly have problems with eating, while 16 percent have been in pain within six months. It also points out that annual oral hygiene can be linked to serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and pneumonia. Kim Ekstrand, Professor of Cariology, comments:
« It is a huge success that far more people today grow older with their own teeth. But many elderly people reach a phase in life at some point in life where they can no longer handle the daily oral care well enough to prevent illness. Therefore, it is important to put into account that it is quite natural and in its place to get help with the mouth care when the ability to handle it is weakened, »
« We also know that the consequences of prolonged deficient oral hygiene are serious. It can lead to both poorer quality of life, increased incidence of infections such as pneumonia and cardiovascular disease and more hospital admissions. Therefore, it is important that we make an extra effort to ensure that the elderly get the necessary help in time. »
