New Canadian Oral Health Screening Tool for Seniors As Canada’s population continues to age, a research team led by Dr. Christian Caron, a professor in gerodontology at Laval University, has created a screening tool for seniors’ oral health that can be used in a variety of settings. Between 2011 and 2021, the Canadian population age 65 and over grew by almost 20%, representing the biggest increase in 75 years.1 As of July 2022, almost 1 in 5 Canadians (18.8%) were age 65 or over, fuelled by the so-called baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965. The 2021 Canadian census showed that over 861,000 people were age 85 or over, more than double the amount from the 2001 census. In the next 25 years, this population aged 85 and over could increase to almost 2.5 million people. With more people having greater life expectancies, a major challenge remains; maintaining a good quality of life based on their good overall and oral health. Deteriorating oral health can have negative consequences on people’s healthy food choices, mental health and well-being. Pain and various infections can lead to general health problems or aggravate pre-existing conditions. Dr. Christian Caron, gerodontology professor at the Centre of Excellence for Oral Health and Aging at Laval University. 24 | 2023 | Issue 4
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