Tu R Y, Liang P, Tan A J-M et al. Factors associated with regular dental attendance by aged adults: a systematic review. Gerodontology 2023; 40: 277-287.

Poor oral health leads to less frequent visits.

A review of 21 previously published papers found that factors affecting dental attendance for patients aged 65+, when examined through the lens of a behavioural model, included:

  • Predisposing factors (age, gender, medical conditions, ethnicity, education, and dental anxiety) - attendance was lower in older patients. Higher education attainment was positively associated with regular attendance. The findings with regards to gender were conflicting

  • Enabling factors (finance, carers, and availability and access to services) - higher income groups tended to visit the dentist more regularly than lower income groups. The presence of social support networks was also associated with increased attendance

  • Needs-related factors (the perception of the importance of oral health, tooth loss and pain) - a greater number of remaining teeth was associated with more regular attendance, as was pain and discomfort. Perception that oral health was poor was associated with less frequent visiting.

No causal links can be established but it is clear that the reasons for the dental attendance (and non-attendance) of older people are complex and interconnected.