New strategy for better geriatric oral health in Japan: 80/20 movement and Healthy Japan 21.

A review of strategies for better geriatric oral health in Japan is presented. The rapid growth of the aged population in Japan has been associated with the decreasing ability of family caregivers to provide home care due primarily to immature social support systems. As rural ageing has a stronger likelihood of this trend, there is a difference in the oral health of older adults in urban and rural areas. A national survey demonstrated that only 29.8% of the adult population in rural areas had at least one dental visit in the preceding year versus 34.0% in urban areas. Another national survey showed that the proportions of the elderly with untreated teeth that have decay and those without any treated teeth in metropolitan areas, urban areas, and rural areas were 6%, 7% and 12%, respectively. Maintaining good oral health is crucial for maintaining quality of life in later years. A survey in a rural area in Japan demonstrated that, among elderly with nine or fewer natural teeth who wore no dentures, 45% were bed-bound or house-bound. However, among those with 10 or more natural teeth, 80% were active and able to go out alone. Another survey suggested very few house-bound elderly requested dental care, although most of them had oral health problems and mastication dysfunction. A new strategy, 'Healthy Japan 21' suggests positive actions to keep 20 or more teeth by the age of 80, and encourages collaboration between local health authorities and dental associations to encourage positive oral care for the frail elderly including domiciliary dental services within communities.