Survey reveals poor oral health among homeless
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- Published: Friday, 05 May 2017 07:51
- Written by News Editor
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A new study, by the homelessness charity Groundswell, has revealed the shockingly poor oral health of London’s homeless. The research revealed the extent of the poor oral health facing London’s homeless population, which in many cases may be preventing people from escaping homelessness. It is not only causing massive discomfort but is having wider implications for their wellbeing and lives.
The survey found:
- 30% of homeless people currently experiencing dental pain.
- 7 in 10 reported lost teeth since becoming homeless. 15% of homeless people have pulled out their own teeth. 17% lost teeth following acts of violence.
- Alcohol and drugs commonly used in an attempt to manage oral health issues. 27% of participants have used alcohol to help them deal with dental pain and 28% have used drugs.
- The knock-on effect is that other support services may be under increased pressure. 27% had been to A&E when they have had dental problems and it is likely that it may be putting increased pressure on mental health services.
- Greater action needed to support homeless people suffering dental problems
A large proportion of homeless people are facing considerable pain on a daily basis, with 3 in 10 currently experiencing dental pain, limiting their ability to live fulfilled lives and maintain social networks. 21% had been ‘completely unable to function’ due to dental issues in the last year compared to 1% in the general population. It may be no wonder that some homeless people are turning to substance misuse to manage pain: 27% of participants have used alcohol to help them deal with dental pain and 28% have used drugs.
Access to dentistry is a real problem for homeless people who face significant barriers in signing up for dental practices and attending appointments. Only 23% had been to the dentist in the last six months and 58% were not clear on their rights to NHS dentistry. Further to this, self-care was a significant issue for research participants. Drug, alcohol and mental ill-health meant that participants found it difficult to take care of their oral health. This was often compacted by the damaging effects on oral health of drugs, alcohol and poor diet.
Missing teeth is a particularly noticeable manifestation of the problems that people are facing. 70% of participants reported that they have lost teeth since they have been homeless. Alarmingly, almost as many participants had had teeth ‘fall out on their own’ as had participants who had had teeth removed by a medical professional (35%). There were also a large proportion of participants who had lost teeth following acts of violence (17%) or accidents (12%). However, our findings reveal the lengths that some participants have taken to deal with dental issues that they face with 15% of participants having pulled out their own teeth.
The Healthy Mouths Health Audit project, funded by the independent charitable foundation Trust for London, engaged over 260 people currently experiencing homelessness in London through focus groups and one-to-one survey based interviews. Participants were in a range of accommodation situations ranging from street homeless, temporary accommodation and in other insecure accommodation like staying with friends and family.
What makes the findings truly shocking is the level of disparity between the general population and people who are currently experiencing homelessness. For example, 7% of participants reported that they had no teeth at all. This compares to 6% of the general population who have no teeth. However, the research cohort was significantly younger than the general population where 92% of people with no teeth are over the age of 65 compared to 93% of research participants with no teeth under the age of 65. One participant who reported to have lost all his teeth since he was homeless was only 27.
The British Dental Association has responded by saying that the government must invest in community dental services, as shocking new research reveals 15% of homeless people have pulled out their own teeth. Michael Cranfield, the BDA’s chair of England Community Dental Services said: “This research is stark reminder of how current dental policy is failing vulnerable patients. A civilized society does not leave homeless people handicapped by oral disease or resorting to pulling out their own teeth. There is no easy solution, but any progress is impossible without adequately resourced mainstream and dedicated services. The failure to invest in community dentistry is hurting patients who can’t always be cared for in traditional settings. It’s hitting the homeless, the housebound, and patients with dementia, learning disabilities and phobias who are all entitled to effective care. This research should force government and health commissioners to reassess their priorities.”
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