Dental aspects of an elderly population.

A study of 414 elderly residents of sheltered accommodation in West Essex investigated the degree to which health, physical handicap and support from community care services affected dental needs and utilization of dental services. The study population had a mean age of 77 years, 77% lived alone, 17% were housebound and 37% relied heavily on the home help service. The majority of subjects were edentulous (78%) and prosthetic treatment was the main requirement. Despite the high normative need for dental treatment (75%), only 22% of subjects perceived any such need. Only 3% claimed to have any difficulties in obtaining dental treatment and utilization of dental services was associated with positive attitudes towards dental health. The presence of oral handicaps was a realistic indicator of treatment needs and could be identified by the primary health team.