As patients grow older their likelihood to receive dental care declines, according to a study by Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan and cited by Market Watch.
Reasons for the decline in care include cost, competing priorities with chronic health conditions, transportation and cognitive function.
The study found the decrease use of dental services was more common among black and Hispanic patients. Foreign-born patients were less likely to use dental services than patients born in the U.S.
Medicare does not cover most dental care, procedures or supplies. A Kaiser Permanente report found that 19 percent of beneficiaries who use dental services spend more than $1,000 on out-of-pocket care.
"Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, home-bound, or institutionalized also increases the risk of poor older health," a CDC report says.
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Reasons for the decline in care include cost, competing priorities with chronic health conditions, transportation and cognitive function.
The study found the decrease use of dental services was more common among black and Hispanic patients. Foreign-born patients were less likely to use dental services than patients born in the U.S.
Medicare does not cover most dental care, procedures or supplies. A Kaiser Permanente report found that 19 percent of beneficiaries who use dental services spend more than $1,000 on out-of-pocket care.
"Older Americans with the poorest oral health tend to be those who are economically disadvantaged, lack insurance, and are members of racial and ethnic minorities. Being disabled, home-bound, or institutionalized also increases the risk of poor older health," a CDC report says.
More articles on dental:
2 Georgia women practice unlicensed dentistry for 9 years, police allege
Patients say South Dakota dental office abruptly closed
5 dentists making headlines