Dr. Bicuspid: Dental tops list of delayed care for older adults

Older adults were more likely to delay dental care than any other type of health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis published in March by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

The CareQuest Institute is a nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible oral health system. The institute looked at three surveys of Medicare beneficiaries to analyze health care delays during the pandemic. Almost 6 million Medicare beneficiaries put off dental care during the pandemic -- more than those who delayed medical care, surgery, vision, or hearing services.

"Delays in dental care have serious ramifications," according to the report. "Among Americans aged 65 or older, one in five have untreated tooth decay, and two-thirds have periodontal disease. Postponing care means these infections are likely to become more severe, making them more difficult and costly to treat."

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