Studies reveal oral health risks and inequalities in the UK
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Oral health is a vital part of overall well-being, and new studies link poor oral health to higher risks of frailty in older men. Dr. Nigel Carter, a top executive member of the Oral Health Foundation, doubts whether the UK government has any plans concerning the issue.
One research team that observed over 1000 men for more than three years noticed that those with poor oral health had higher risks of experiencing a host of other concerning issues. These may range from weight loss, poor walking, exhaustion, poor gripping ability, and physical activity, among others.
The same study also revealed that one out of five (20%) of the participants examined were toothless. Over half of them (54%) struggled with gum diseases, and almost one-third (29%) had problems with dry mouth. Roughly 11% of the participants found it hard to eat.
Dr. Carter uses these grim statistics of the study to make strong arguments about dental health and older adults. The chief executive is concerned about people who are more likely to experience issues in their mouths and the direct effects on their long-term wellness. If you own a dental facility, understand that choosing the right dental chair for your patients is paramount to providing exemplary dental care.
“Oral health challenges are more common among the elderly population experiencing tooth loss, gum diseases, and tooth decay or dry mouth. These problems not only impact the health of the mouth but also the patient’s quality of life.
“We normally first observe the issues that arise from the elderly having poorer oral health. These conditions often make it difficult for older people to eat, swallow, get good nutrition – and even smile. Moreover, adults with bad oral health may also experience pain and discomfort in their mouth and jaw,” Dr. Carter elaborated.
Another study featured men from some 24 regions around the UK who went through dental examinations. Those aged between 71 and 92 took measurements on their height, mass, walking ability, waist, and grip strength. According to Dr. Carter, more of these studies can help dentists unravel poor oral problems of UK adults and effectively manage such conditions.
“Sensory impairments like eyesight and hearing and a patient’s medical history are often taken into consideration when identifying frailty. That said, oral health is usually given less attention when caring for the elderly population. It’s high time the government took a deep interest in identifying the needs of its senior citizens for healthcare providers to manage them properly”, Carter added.
While poor oral health is somewhat a preventable disorder, oral health inequalities remain a crucial public health issue in England. Bridging this gap is a matter of social justice, an ethical imperative for all UK public health facilities. Between 2008 and 2019, the relative inequalities in dental care’s prevalence in 5-year-olds skyrocketed in England.
But, who is most affected by these inequalities? The consequences of poor oral health disproportionately impact the vulnerable and less privileged individuals and groups in society.
