Elderly, poor at risk for costly dental illnesses CMAJ 1997;157:127 © 1997 Canadian Medical Association The direct cost of dental illness ranks a close third behind cardiovascular disease and mental disorders, a review published by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has determined. Although most people enjoy better dental health today, the elderly and poor still experience more tooth decay because of their poorer health status, diet and oral hygiene. As well, certain medical conditions and treatments can affect dental health. These include chronic diseases such as diabetes, anticancer therapies, medications for common conditions such as depression and drugs with large amounts of sucrose. People who consume small meals frequently -- a practice recommended for pregnant women and for those with medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, AIDS and cancer -- are also at higher risk. The NIN notes that poor oral health among the frail elderly is an important contributing factor to the involuntary weight loss that is linked with increased morbidity and mortality. Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ July 15, 1997 (vol 157, no 2) / JAMC le 15 juillet 1997 (vol 157, no 2) |