Dental Health

Agewell Health promotion for older people in New Zealand

Dental Health

Healthy Mouth Health Ageing - oral health guide for caregivers of older people

This new resource published in June 2010 was developed by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. It provides an overview of topics that are of particular relevance to providing oral health care for older people. to view a PDF copy of this resource click here or go to New Zealand Dental Association site healthysmiles.org.nz

For many of us, the increasing silver in our hair is matched by gold (or other metals) in our teeth.

More of us are keeping more of our teeth into later life, making good dental health an important part of ageing well.

Having healthy teeth and gums or correctly fitted dentures is important for overall health and a sense of wellbeing.

Healthy teeth are essential for effective chewing and swallowing and therefore for good nutrition. Our teeth are on show to others when we smile, and for many of us it’s important for confidence and self esteem to feel that our teeth look acceptable.

Attitudes are changing and many more of us expect to keep our teeth in later life. As we get older our need for dental care treatment continues and may increase: baby boomers may find that old fillings crack and need to be re-done; and as gums recede more of the tooth root is exposed and is vulnerable to infection: you literally become 'long in the tooth'.

Dentures may need to be replaced as the shape of the mouth continues to change throughout life.

Affordability of professional dental care is an issue for many people on fixed incomes, whether they have their own teeth or dentures.

Support for dental care

Despite the importance of good dental health Government support to adults is limited to subsidies towards emergency dental treatment, and dentures for people on low incomes.

Some public hospitals have dental departments that provide low cost services to outpatients such as community service card holders and people with special needs. ACC will pay for costs associated with accident-related dental treatment. There is no general subsidised dental care for older people, unlike the UK where reduced cost dental care is provided under the National Health Service, with additional reductions for people on low incomes.

However, the good news is that the Ministry of Health is currently doing background research on dental health services for people with poor oral health outcomes, including older people. Age Concern New Zealand will be meeting with the Ministry to discuss this work and put forward some of the issues facing older New Zealanders.

Rest homes

Studies have shown that older people in rest homes have particular dental care needs. They may be unable to care for their own oral hygiene and problems in their mouth can affect their ability to eat well which in turn affects their overall health.

It's important to keep aware of this if you have a loved one in a rest home, particularly as rest home fees don't normally include dental care. Discuss any concerns you have with the rest home manager.

Prevention

A daily routine will benefit your general health and may avoid the need for costly treatment later.

Six steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

Brush twice daily, especially once before bedtime. Make sure that all the surfaces (outer, inner and chewing surface) of teeth and gum are cleaned for effective plaque removal
Use fluoride toothpaste and after brushing spit the toothpaste out. Avoid rinsing the paste from your mouth after brushing as this will wash the fluoride away from your teeth
Floss or use ‘inter-dental’ brushes once daily to clean between your teeth
Avoid eating sugary, sticky and acidic foods and drinks in between meals
Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can spot and stop any problems with your teeth and gums at the early stages.

Source: the web site of the New Zealand Dental Association: www.healthysmiles.org.nz

More information

The New Zealand Dental Association’s website www.healthysmiles.org.nz has information on preventive tooth care for adults. Look out for their updated section for seniors in mid 2009.

Acknowledgements

Age Concern New Zealand wishes to thank Lynne Giddings. Barbara McKenzie-Green and Linda Buttle of Auckland University of Technology and Deepa Krishnan of the New Zealand Dental Association for their advice and assistance in the preparation of this article

Please Note Age Concern North Shore has tried to ensure that all information on this website is correct. However, Age Concern North Shore does not accept liability for any statements or advice contained on, or omissions from, nor endorse any suggested site on this website. Other websites referred to on this website are here for reference only. The information on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional advice and we do suggest that you consult with your health, legal or financial professional.

Website last updated 22/07/2010