Seniors have a toothache ...

Seniors have a toothache ...
... but at least they keep them longer.



In the 1980s, nearly three-quarters of Quebecers 65 and older had no teeth in the mouth. This proportion has fallen from 16% in 10 years.

"That's the good news, said Daniel Kandelman, director of the Department of Oral Health of the Faculty of Dentistry. The bad news is that oral diseases have increased. There is much more decay of roots, gum problems and tooth Discalced past. "

The brand new president of the International Association of gérodontologie wants to draw attention to the lack of attendance of customers over 65 years to see a dentist. "Ideally, a person should consult their dentist every two years, even if she wears a denture. In reality, the time between two visits is much longer. Some have not seen the dentist since 5 or even 10 years ... Others have never even seen a dentist ... "

Dental care is not covered by the program of health insurance in Quebec, each visit is charged, except for welfare and for children. Insofar as they are able to pay, the elderly able to move just have to adopt this habit for maintaining good oral health.

"It's much more concerned about the semi-autonomous or loss of autonomy, said Dr. Kandelman. Because many of them unaware that they should remove their dentures daily to clean, there is increase in diseases such as stomatitis, inflammation of mucous membranes. In some cases, has even observed cancers of the oral cavity. Such complications are unacceptable when we know that mere visits to the dentist would have avoided. "

Prevention works!
If the rate édentation decreased significantly over the past decade, thanks to added fluoride in toothpaste, to a healthier diet and more frequent visits to the dentist. "It shows that prevention produces effects, said Dr. Kandelman. And it will continue ... The aging population is expected to continue."

Unfortunately, the trend should be maintained in terms of increasing social inequality. A growing number of elderly people with loss of autonomy have kept their teeth experience an increased incidence of dental problems. The money will be for them a major obstacle.

"We must not drop our seniors," said the specialist. Distribution care collectively pose delicate ethical issues. "

If children have access to free dental services, why the elderly poor would they not also entitled to free services? "It is a question that may arise. But the answer will inevitably be political."

Dentists contribution
Dentists are expected to play an active role in this new social phenomenon. DrKandelman and suggests that they do not jostle with older clients, particularly those who are confused and stranded. "There are many specialists in pediatric dentistry, but very few in geriatric dentistry," he says.

It is urgent to establish programs to promote dental health among the elderly. They could be established with the cooperation of ministries, CLSCs, shelters. And could include home visits with portable equipment. But the schools themselves must be aware of this phenomenon and take initiatives. "Many people are actually missing the boat," says the dentist, recalling that the elderly accounted for 11% of the population of Quebec to the last census.

The International Association of gérondontologie that Mr. Kandelman chairs since the beginning of 1999, is dedicated to this problem in several countries. The aging of the population is common to several of them. The Association is affiliated with the Dental Association and has a hundred members, mainly from France, Tunisia, Spain and Quebec.

"Caring for the elderly, it is a question of solidarity," said Dr. Kandelman. Our elders, our parents, our grandparents. "

About this philanthropy is a reflection of the character. In his spare time, Daniel Kandelman exchanged the instruments of dentists against the keyboard and at the piano to good causes.