Dental care worst for the elderly
An inquiry looking into dental care in South Australia has put forward that aged care residents should be examined prior to moving into a care facility.
According to an ABC News report, the Parliamentary inquiry found elderly people residing alone and those living in nursing homes had the worst tooth decay problems.
Many could not eat properly as a result of tooth decay.
Inquiry presiding member, Ian Hunter, said recommendations had been put to the South Australian government, including a need for more support for dentists to treat patients in nursing homes.
“They do it on the smell of an oily rag,” he said.
“The Government gives them some assistance with some mobile dental equipment. We suggested to the Government that it increase its commitment to that program and increase the training of dentists so more dentists give of their time in these facilities.”
