More than half of older Australians are putting off necessary dental work, mostly because they cannot afford it, the latest research shows.
According to a statement released this week by the COTA advocacy organisation for older Australians, 55 percent of over 65s delayed dental work over the past 12 months.
Around two in three said the delay was because they could not afford the treatment.
The figures were derived from the latest Australian Dental Association (ADA) annual study of 25,000 people.
COTA said the results highlighted the need for the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme.
COTA CEO Patricia Sparrow said the number of older Australians skipping vital dental treatment because of affordability was “ridiculously high”.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Sparrow said COTA Australia had long advocated for the introduction of a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme to ensure that everyone could get access to the dental care they needed.
“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,” Ms Sparrow said.
