ADA Inc calls for elderly not to be ignored

The Australian Dental Association has urged the Government to address the oral health needs of Australia's elderly following the National Seniors Australia (NSA) launch of its election priorities in Parliament House.

In a media release issued today, ADA President Dr John Matthews noted that "for people aged over 65 years, the prevalence of tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and oral cancer, is higher than for the general population. Frequency of teeth extractions associated with gum disease also increases with age. Access to dental care can become more difficult as people get older, while oral diseases have the potential to impact negatively on older people's general health and social functioning."

Dr Matthews said; "It's time for Governments to take responsibility and implement the range of initiatives outlined in Australia's National Oral Health Plan, signed off by all government Health Ministers, to improve older people's oral health."