Dental needs of pre-retirement and retired people in an inner-city area.
Perceived and normative dental needs were assessed for people of pre-retirement (55-64 years) and retirement age (65-74 years) in Camberwell, London, using a postal questionnaire and dental examination. Of the pre-retirement group, 77% were dentate compared with 65% in the older cohort. The younger age-group were more likely to believe teeth were more important and to perceive a need for dental care. People who attended for the examination were more likely to perceive a need for (64% and 15% respectively) and want treatment (39% and 17%) than non-examinees. Also, they were more likely to be unhappy with their appearance (43% and 20%) and to be in pain (42% and 21%). Treatment need was similar for both groups with regard to restorative and extraction needs. However, the retirement group were more likely to have deep periodontal pockets (33% and 8%) and a greater normative need for denture care.
Taylor
C M
CM
Department of Dental Public Health and Community Dental Education, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
Fiske
J
J
Cooper
D
D
Gelbier
S
S
D000368:Aged; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D017266:Dental Prosthesis; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy