Concern over oral health of older people

There is growing concern about the oral health of older people, after it emerged over half had not visited a dentist for more than three years.

The authors of a report on barriers to dental attendance say it is vital older people are educated on the importance of visiting the dentist and given better access.

The study, published in the Irish Medical Journal, is based on a questionnaire completed by 105 patients, aged over 65, attending the geriatric medical outpatient clinic at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin over three months last year.