Tooth decay more common among disabled

TOOTH decay, including loss of all natural teeth, is far more common in adults with intellectual disability than among the general population.

The first national oral health survey of adults with an intellectual disability in residential care found 61% aged 55+ years have no natural teeth compared to 41% of adults aged 65+ years in the general population.

Twenty percent of the 35 to 54-year-old age group were found to have oral lesions (diseased tissue). Three percent of this age group were found to have suspect oral cancerous lesions that required urgent referral for further review.