Oral health plays a central role in a person’s overall well-being. However, the United Kingdom continues to face marked inequalities in this area, particularly among ethnic minority groups and older adults. Many experience a lower quality of life due to limited awareness and inadequate preventive care. Periodontal disease often results in tooth loss, nutritional difficulties, and further decline in quality of life. Older Indian adults living in Luton form an under-researched population, and insights from their experiences can help clarify how cultural, structural, and psychosocial elements shape oral health outcomes. This research aimed to explore the personal experiences of aging Indian adults in Luton regarding their periodontal health, their ability to access dental services, and how cultural, family-related, and emotional influences affect their oral health practices. The study adopted a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 10 aging Indian adults residing in Luton. The collected data were examined thematically using the health belief model, social cognitive theory, and an intersectionality framework to reveal recurring patterns and deeper meanings in the participants’ accounts.
The findings indicated generally low awareness of periodontal disease. Most participants considered gum problems to be a normal and insignificant part of growing older. Key barriers to dental care included the belief that NHS services were costly, involved lengthy waiting times, and were overly complex to navigate. Although private dental care was viewed as high-quality, its expense made it inaccessible for many. Psychological factors such as fear, distrust, and embarrassment also reduced the likelihood of seeking professional help. The study concludes that cultural beliefs, systemic obstacles, and psychosocial influences interact in complex ways to affect the oral health of older Indian adults in Luton. Treatment for periodontal issues tends to occur only after symptoms appear rather than through preventive measures. Key recommendations include delivering culturally tailored oral health education, involving families and communities in interventions, improving affordability and access, and enhancing cultural competence within NHS dental services. This work adds fresh qualitative insights into the necessity for culturally sensitive, family-supported, and readily accessible dental care for older adults from ethnic minority backgrounds across the UK.
