“Beginning as we speak, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can apply.” Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Thursday that functions at the moment are open for this age group underneath the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

“Due to this plan, thousands and thousands of individuals can now afford to see a dentist — some for the primary time in a long time. Quickly, thousands and thousands extra will get that very same care,” Carney stated.

His remarks reaffirm Well being Minister Kamal Khera’s March announcement that Might would mark the beginning of functions for the CDCP’s largest eligible cohort so far.

Whereas exact information for these aged 55 to 64 isn’t accessible, Statistics Canada figures for Canadians aged 50 to 64 from 2023-24 can make clear the oral well being standing of this inhabitants — and why they may profit from the brand new plan.

1. One in 5 avoids consuming as a result of mouth ache

About 20 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 keep away from consuming sure meals due to issues with their mouth — in comparison with the nationwide common of 15.6 per cent.

Ladies on this group had been extra prone to report avoiding meals, at 22.3 per cent, in comparison with 18 per cent of males.

As for toothlessness, or edentulism, it’s highest amongst these aged 65 and older at 13.8 per cent. However 2.3 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 additionally reported having no pure tooth.

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2. Flossing extra steadily than common

Roughly 30 per cent of Canadians total floss 5 or extra instances every week, however that determine rises amongst these aged 50 to 64 — 38.3 per cent in whole, together with 33.4 per cent of males and 43.1 per cent of girls.

Brushing can be barely increased on this age group. About 74 per cent reported brushing every day, in comparison with the nationwide common of round 70 per cent. Amongst them, 67.9 per cent of males and 79.9 per cent of girls reported brushing.

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3. Practically 28 per cent haven’t any dental protection

Whereas about 65.6 per cent of Canadians total have both non-public or public dental insurance coverage, 27.8 per cent of these aged 50 to 64 reported having no protection in any respect.

Just one.9 per cent on this group depend on public insurance coverage, suggesting many are left with out ample dental care choices. Nationally (excluding territories), 2.9 per cent of Canadians have public protection solely.

4. Persistent ache impacts one in 4

Roughly 25.2 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 report persistent or ongoing mouth ache — barely increased than the nationwide common of 21.6 per cent.

In relation to self-perceived oral well being, 16.5 per cent stated their oral well being was truthful or poor, whereas 50.9 per cent rated it as excellent or glorious.

5. Most are nonetheless seeing a dentist

A major 76.7 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 visited a dental skilled prior to now yr. The speed was barely increased for girls, at 79.4 per cent, in comparison with 74 per cent of males.

Nonetheless, price stays a serious barrier. In line with the Canadian Oral Well being Survey for 2024, about 24 per cent of Canadians aged 12 and older prevented dental visits as a result of price prior to now yr — up from 22 per cent in 2018.

The CDCP is out there to Canadians with family incomes underneath $90,000 who don’t have entry to personal dental insurance coverage. Protection may start as early as June 1 for these accepted.

Functions open Might 15 for these aged 18 to 34, and Might 29 for these aged 35 to 54.

You may also learn: Adjustments, challenges, alternatives and the CDCP