Ontario Pensioners Need to See a Dentist More Often

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Pensioners in Ontario, Canada, need to see a dentist more often, according to the latest figures.

Statistics released by St Michael’s Hospital, Women’s College Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), show that almost half of people aged over 65 in the region did not visit a dentist last year.

Research shows that 45% of over 65 year olds have not visited their dentist for over a year, which experts believe will increase their risk of serious medical illnesses, in addition to oral health diseases.

Dr Arlene Bierman, part of the research team at St Michael’s Hospital and the ICES, said that there was mounting evidence to support a link between serious chronic illnesses and poor health and gum disease has been linked with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and strokes, all of which are more prevalent among older people.

Dental care is not covered by the state and many experts believe this is why many seniors are putting off routine visits. Bierman said that the findings of the study show that the current system needs to be adjusted to ensure that older people are able to access affordable dental care.

 

 

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