Older Australians can’t afford good dental health: Survey

A new survey has revealed that Australians over 65 are skipping dental treatments, resulting in the demographic having worse oral health than the rest of the nation.

The finding comes from the Australian Dental Association's (ADA) annual study, in which 25,000 people were quizzed on their dental habits.

Most notably, the survey found that 55 per cent of all respondents over 65 delayed seeking dental treatment in the last 12 months – with affordability being the number-one reason for putting off a visit to the dentist.

ADA president Dr Chris Sanzaro said rising cost-of-living pressures have resulted in too many older people suffering with debilitating oral issues.

“These findings provide a clear picture of what’s happening to the mouths of thousands of Australians over 65,” Dr Sanzaro said.

“They can’t get to the dentist regularly because they can’t afford it and so their mouths become a battleground of pain and infection management.”

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Nearly half of over 65s reported issues like tooth or gum pain, mouth or face swelling, or a mouth infection, which, when ignored, can result in significant health implications.

“Some end up in the emergency departments – the ADA has found that 16,000 seniors were admitted to hospital for treatment of painful dental issues in 2022-23,” Dr Sanzaro said.

“That figure is expected to rise to 22,630 by 2027-28, representing a 42 per cent increase from an already unacceptable level. It’s a health trend that worsens by the year.”

Improved access

Oral health has proven links to both the social and cognitive health of older people,

Peak aged care body COTA Australia is calling for the establishment of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme, which ADA's survey says 76 per cent of Australians support.

“Good oral health is important for people of every age, and we know people across the board are struggling with the cost, but as we get older the stakes get higher. Evidence shows that poor dental health increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and chronic malnutrition in older people, as well as embarrassment and social isolation,” COTA chief Patricia Sparrow said.

“Every Australian, no matter what their age, should be looking at these statistics and asking their politicians why we don’t have a plan to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme yet.

“Introducing a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme is important for us all. Making sure older Australians get access to the quality, affordable dental care they need will keep us healthier for longer – decreasing the burden on our public health care system and freeing it up for those who need it most.”

'Dental into Medicare'

Dental reform has become central to the electoral campaign of the Australian Greens, with party leader Adam Bandt calling the Labor's recent federal budget a “missed opportunity” to deliver real cost-of-living relief with Medicare-funded dental.

“We should tax big corporations and billionaires to fund what we all need, like getting dental and mental health into Medicare, seeing the GP for free, capping rent increases and lowering mortgages, and taking strong climate action,” Mr Bandt said.

“There will be a minority government and the Greens are within reach of winning seats right across the country. Last time there was a minority government, the Greens got dental into Medicare for kids. This is our chance to deliver it for everyone.”