Special care dental committee set up; toothless rate among older people fell from 5.6% to 0.9% in a decade
The Department of Health has set up a Special Care Dental Service Coordinating Committee to advise on long-term dental services for people with disabilities, special needs and financial hardship. Citing its oral health surveys, the department said the share of non-institutionalised 65–74-year-olds with no natural teeth fell from 5.6% in 2011 to 0.9% in 2021, and average tooth count rose from 19.3 to 22.8, but more than half of older people using long-term care services have untreated decay.
What it means for you
Older people are keeping more teeth, yet many in long-term care still have untreated decay; families can check on relatives and ask about elderly dental outreach services.
Editors' take: the background
Older people are keeping more of their own teeth, which also means more teeth to clean and more that can decay or develop gum disease. Those with limited mobility or dementia struggle to clean their own teeth, so help from carers matters.
People living in care homes, or aged 60+ using subsidised day care centres, can get free check-ups and care through the Department of Health's Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly.
Key points
- Toothless rate, age 65–74: 5.6% (2011) → 0.9% (2021)
- Average teeth: 19.3 → 22.8
- Over half of long-term-care users have untreated decay
Source: Department of Health
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
How can I help an older relative with limited mobility clean their teeth?
Use a soft brush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, standing behind or beside them. Remove and clean dentures every day, and take them out at night.
What dental help is there for older people?
From 65, Elderly Health Care Vouchers (HK$2,000 a year); eligible people can use the Community Dental Support Programme; care-home residents get free checks through the outreach programme.
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