Oral health of the elderly living in residential homes in Slovenia

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate oral health status of the elderly, living in eight randomly selected residential homes for senior citizens across the country.

Background: The percentage of the elderly is growing worldwide. With ageing, risks of various oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal disease, are growing.

Methods: Altogether 296 elderly people (88 men, 208 women) of average age 79.89 ± 7.4 years were questioned about their medical condition and oral health practice and examined orally. Evaluation of clinical examination was carried out by DMFT, plaque index (Silness and Löe, 1964) and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN).

Results: Of 296 participants, 106 (35.8%) were edentulous, 95 (32.1%) had one to nine teeth and 95 persons (32.1%) had 10 or more teeth. The average number of teeth in an individual was small: 6.76 ± 7.47. The average number of teeth with caries lesions was 3.59 ± 4.70, filled teeth 1.94 ± 3.63 and teeth without caries or fillings 1.19 ± 2.41. The average DMFT value was 30.75. In 69.5% of participants, dental plaque was visible with the naked eye. Of 171 subjects, in whom CPITN index was appraised, 81.9% would need oral hygiene education, 56.7% would need scaling and root planning and 21.6% would need periodontal surgical treatment.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate poor oral health of the elderly living in residential homes situated in different towns in Slovenia. It is of utmost importance to highlight the necessity of improving oral health care of this population.