Medical and dental status of a culture in transition,the case of the Inuit elderly of Canada

The medical and dental status, and drug utilisation pattern of Canadian Inuit elders (60+years) were evaluated. Inuit elders averaged 6.3 medical conditions per person, primarily nervous system-sense organ deficits, respiratory problems and systemic infections. The mean number of drugs being used was 2.5 per person, primarily analgesics, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Poorly fitting dentures, and high levels of tooth decay, periodontal disease, soft tissue and TMJ anomalies were documented. Compared to older southern Canadians, the medical and dental findings for these Inuit elders were different. Drug utilisation rates were consistent with older southern Canadians, but different drugs were taken.     

Correlates of dental visits among community‐residing Latino elders: a public health alert

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00335.x
Correlates of dental visits among community‐residing Latino elders: a public health alert Objectives: To examine oral service utilisation in a probability sample of community‐residing Latino elders. Background: Older Latinos are at a potential increased risk of oral diseases, given their higher prevalence of co‐morbidities and lower rate of dental service utilisation. Methods: A prevalence survey was conducted among a random sample of Latino (largely Puerto Rican) elders (n = 205; mean age = 75.8; SD ± 5.3) in New York City during 2001–2002. A systematic random sample was drawn from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Beneficiary tape files. Current use of oral health services and self‐reported health conditions was obtained. Functional and cognitive impairment were assessed. Results: Less than half of the sample reported a dental visit in the previous year. The average time since the last dental visit was 54 months (SD ± 84.5). Last year dental visit compliers were more likely to be unmarried, living alone, with higher levels of education, fewer health conditions and less impairment with activities of daily living. In multivariate analyses, problem‐oriented behaviour, Medicaid beneficiary, education, living alone, chronic health conditions and mobility impairment explained 14% of the ‘time since last dental visit’ variance. Conclusions: Given that socio‐demographic and level of functioning determinants appear to influence the frequency of dental visits, a multilevel approach to oral health promotion is imperative.     

Oral health behind bars: a study of oral disease and its impact on the life quality of an older prison population

Objective: The principal aims of this study were to report on the prevalence of oral disease and its impact on the life quality of older (aged 60 and above) prisoners at Hong Kong SAR's elderly detention centre, China. Design: A cross‐sectional epidemiological survey involving clinical oral examinations and face‐to‐face interviews with 64 older prisoners at the centre. Clinical oral examinations were carried out following WHO criteria. The impact of oral health on life quality was assessed using the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile measure, OHIP‐14 Results: The prevalence of oral disease was high, the mean DMFT was 22.5 (SD 10.6) and 40% (18) of the dentate prisoners had shallow or deep periodontal pockets. Most (75%, 48) were in need of prosthetic treatment. Over half the prisoners experienced one or more oral health impacts on life quality during the previous year. This was associated with socio‐demographic factors: employment status prior to incarceration (P<0.01), oral health behaviour: smoking habits (P<0.01) and clinical oral health status: DMFT (P<0.05) and prosthetic need (P<0.05). Conclusion: Among inmates at Hong Kong's elderly detention centre, the prevalence of oral disease was high and the impact of oral health on their life quality was substantial. The impact of oral health on the life quality of the older prisoners was associated with prisoners socio‐demographic background, oral health behaviour and oral health status.     

Tooth loss and associated factors in long-term institutionalised elderly patients

Objective: To compare partial and total tooth loss in dependent institutionalised elderly patients and identify any associated factors. Background: A poor oral health status, together with a reduction of autonomy can seriously affect the general health and increase the risk of death in elderly people. Those with total tooth loss and in need of assistance are the most at risk. Materials and methods: In 2004, a cross‐sectional study of 321 elderly patients was conducted in long‐term hospital services provided in Montpellier, France. Socio‐demographic, behavioural, medical and oral health information was recorded for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to test the relationship between those covariates and partial or total tooth loss. Pearson chi‐squared tests were used for bivariate analyses. Results: The proportion of edentulousness was 26.9%; among these12.6% had no dentures. The factors significantly associated with edentulism were: an age ‘older than 87 years’ [odds ratio (OR) = 9.4], the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 6.8), and inadequate oral hygiene (OR = 0.1). The factors most significantly associated with partial tooth loss (at least 21 missing teeth) were ‘cancerous disease’ (OR = 9.9), the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 5.6) and the presence of a neurological disease (OR = 4.1). The factors significantly related to dentate status (20 or more natural teeth retained) were ‘hypertension treatment’ (OR = 2.4), and ‘cortisone treatment’ (OR = 0.2). Conclusion: General health problems as well as a poor oral condition were significant risk indicators for tooth loss among the long‐term institutionalised elderly. This suggests that the number of remaining teeth has a strong effect on oral health‐related quality of life.     

A cross-sectional study of oral health and oral health-related quality of life among frail elderly persons on admission to a special oral health care programme in Copenhagen City, Denmark

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00486.x
A cross‐sectional study of oral health and oral health‐related quality of life among frail elderly persons on admission to a special oral health care programme in Copenhagen City, Denmark Aim: To describe the oral health and the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of citizens in Copenhagen City on admission to a specific oral health‐care programme for disabled elderly persons. Further, to analyse how various factors influence the oral health and the OHRQoL among these patients. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 189 persons (average 85 years) consecutively admitted to a special oral health‐care programme. Clinical data and data from interviews comprising social factors, life‐style, dental visit habits, oral hygiene practices and self‐perceived oral health were collected. A modified index on perceived dysfunction, discomfort and disability due to oral disorders was used. Results: Sixty‐eight per cent had natural teeth, among those 57% had decayed teeth and two out of three wore dentures. Smoking habits influence the number of teeth present and the OHRQoL (p < 0.05) of the patients. Edentulousness, decayed teeth, and presence of dentures did not seem to cause OHRQoL problems, while higher OHRQoL scores (more problems) were reported by those with 1–9 teeth and tooth mobility. Conclusion: OHRQoL of these patients can be increased by removal of loose teeth and provision of dentures to those with very few teeth rather than focus on traditional caries treatment.     

Association between number of teeth, edentulism and use of dentures with percentage body fat in south Brazilian community-dwelling older people

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00411.x Association between number of teeth, edentulism and use of dentures with percentage body fat in south Brazilian community‐dwelling older people Objective: To evaluate if poor oral status was associated with percentage body fat in a representative sample of south Brazilian community‐dwelling elderly. Background: Evidence suggests that elders with extensive tooth loss and edentulism present with compromised chewing function, which results in dietary changes. However, few studies have assessed whether poor oral status is associated with percentage body fat in community‐dwelling elderly. Materials and methods: A random sample of 471 south Brazilians =>60 years of age was evaluated. Measurements included a questionnaire to assess socio‐demographic, behavioural, general, and oral health data. Percentage body fat was measured with a Tanita TBF 612 digital scale, which measures foot‐to‐foot bioelectrical impedance; and oral status assessment, by means of oral examinations assessing the number of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Correlates of risk of inadequate percentage body fat were assessed by means of multinomial logistic regression. Results: Edentulous participants were more likely to be underfat [OR: 3.11 (1.27–7.61)] or overfat/obese [OR: 1.82 (1.05–3.16)]. Conclusion: The present study shows that edentulous older people had higher odds for inadequate percentage body fat. The maintenance of teeth had a crucial role in increasing the chance of having an adequate body fat percentage in the study population.     

Oral health status of the elderly in a residential home in Turkey

Objectives: To determine the oral health status and treatment needs of elderly residents of a residential home in Ankara, Turkey. Background: Little is known about oral health problems of elderly living in the institutions. Methods: Among 216 elderly, 193 of them were interviewed and were clinically examined according to WHO criteria. Age, gender, educational and occupational status, oral hygiene practices, dental insurance, access to dental care and systemic diseases were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Coronal and root caries, periodontal disease, dental status and related treatment needs were assessed by two calibrated dentists. Results: The mean age of the subjects were 75.2 ± 8.3 in males, 79.1 ± 7.9 in females; 32.6% of subjects were dentate and the mean number of teeth was 3.7 ± 7.0 (median = 0). A functional dentition was present in 7.3% of subjects (≥20). The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) was 29.3 ± 5.8 (median = 32) and mean root caries was 2.2 ± 3.1 (median = 1.0). The major reason for tooth extraction was dental caries. Of the subjects, 20.7% had at least one untreated coronal caries and 18.1% root caries. The assessment of periodontal status according to CPI revealed that only four persons had nine healthy sextants with the score of ‘0’. Edentulousness was 67.4% while 11.9% of them lacked denture in both jaws. Conclusion: The results illustrated poor dental health and showed extremely high demand for the dental health services programmes for the elderly living in these institutions.     

Social interactions, body image and oral health among institutionalised frail elders: an unexplored relationship

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00523.x Social interactions, body image and oral health among institutionalised frail elders: an unexplored relationship Objectives: This paper draws on theories of ageing, body image and disfigurement, to explore the potential for relationships between oral health, body image and social interactions between institutionalised elders. Background: Social relationships are important at all stages of life. A positive body image increases confidence in social interactions, which contributes substantially to health, well‐being and quality of life. Body image can be negatively impacted by oral conditions, particularly those that are appearance related and do not meet cultural ideals. Results: Typically, the oral health of frail elders in long‐term care facilities is poor, but to what extent poor oral health and dysfunction influence body image, and social behaviours is unclear. Conclusions: We conclude that there is the potential for poor oral health conditions to contribute negatively to the social well‐being in this population, but suggest that it requires further investigation.     

The relationship between seven health practices and oral health status in community‐dwelling elderly Thai

Gerodontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00672.x The relationship between seven health practices and oral health status in community‐dwelling elderly Thai Objective: This study aims to analyse the relationship between seven health practices, oral health behaviors, and oral health status in community dwelling elderly Thai. Materials and methods: The subjects were 612 elderly people (mean age = 68.8 ± 5.9 years). Questionnaires survey about sociodemographics, self‐reported seven health practices and oral health behaviors were conducted by trained interviewers. Oral examinations investigated the number of teeth present, decayed teeth, periodontal status and functional tooth units (FTUs). Oral malodor was assessed by Organoleptic Test, and unstimulated saliva was collected for 5 min. Results: Five health practices (smoking, drinking, physical activity, breakfast and weight maintenance) were significantly related with oral health behaviors. ancova analysis demonstrated the following significant associations: (i) smoking behavior with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, decayed teeth, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (ii) drinking alcohol behavior with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (iii) eating breakfast behavior with periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (iv) eating between‐meal snack with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, decayed teeth and periodontal disease, (v) maintaining weight with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease and oral malodor, (vi) sleeping with number of teeth present, number of FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate, (vii) physical activity with periodontal disease and salivary flow rate. Conclusion: Good health practices were related with good oral health behaviors. Moreover, general health practices were associated with the clinical oral health status such as number of teeth present, decayed teeth, FTUs, periodontal disease, oral malodor and salivary flow rate. The elderly with good general health practices were considered to have good oral health status. Improving general health habits are suggested to lead to better oral health for the elderly, and vice versa.     

Oral health and history of respiratory tract infection in frail institutionalised elders

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to look for a relationship between history of respiratory tract infection (RTI) and oral health in very old subjects. Setting and Subjects: 302 frail elders (mean age: 85 years) living in a medical care facility were examined by one dentist. Outcome Measures: The incidence of RTI over 1 year had been recorded along with markers of nutritional status and degree of dependency. The oral examination comprised an evaluation of hygiene, quality of prostheses and the prevalence of caries, periodontal disease and mucosal disorders. Results: One third (33%) of the subjects had experienced at least one episode of RTI and a fifth (19%) had visited the dentist in emergency. The incidence of RTI had been greater among dentate subjects and those who came to the dentist in emergency. The dentate subjects with a history of RTI had higher plaque score (P=0.02). Half (49%) of the subjects had oral disorders that could develop in a dental emergency and these subjects had had a higher risk of RTI (relative risk: 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–3.9). The presence of selected oral disorders associated with low serum albumin increased the relative risk of having had RTI to 3.2 (1.5–6.7). The association between presence of actual oral health problems and previous experience of RTI was more noticeable in those who had poor general health or were more debilitated. Conclusions: The present study suggests that poor oral hygiene and the presence of potential emergency could be major risk factors for RTI among the frail elderly.     

Analysis of socio-demographic and systemic health factors and the normative conditions of oral health care in a population of the Brazilian elderly

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00446.x
Analysis of socio‐demographic and systemic health factors and the normative conditions of oral health care in a population of the Brazilian elderly Objective: To investigate the association of socio‐demographic and systemic health factors according to the normative conditions of oral health care (dental caries, edentulism, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesion) in elderly individuals. Material and methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a group of elderly with access to community health care (n = 200). The normative conditions of oral health were then investigated according to the WHO and the SB Brazil criteria. Bivariate analyses were evaluated by the chi‐square test and Fisher’s exact test. An estimation of prevalence for the covariates was performed using Poisson’s regression models. Results: The prevalence of edentulism and oral mucosal lesions was detected in 58% and 21.5% of elderly patients, respectively. In the dentate subjects, the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease was 51.2% and 20.8%, respectively. Older men and individuals from lower‐income groups exhibited a higher prevalence of dental caries. Elderly women, illiterate individuals, and individuals over the age of 65 years exhibited a higher prevalence of edentulism. Elderly 60–64 years old and those who are employed had a significant association with periodontal disease. Conclusion: Socio‐demographic factors were associated with some notable oral diseases in the elderly.     

The dental awareness of nursing home staff in Singapore - a pilot study

Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the oral health knowledge among staff working in a local nursing home managed by a voluntary welfare organisation. Method: A self‐administered questionnaire was completed by 53 nursing staff working in a home with 270 residents. The questionnaire was structured to assess the staff's knowledge of dental caries, periodontal disease and the care and use of dentures. Results: 99.6% of the respondents felt that oral health care of the elderly was very important. However, only 45.3% of them attributed the cause of dental caries to the frequent intake of sugar. Bacteria in dental plaque was identified by 88.7% of them as the main cause of periodontal disease while 96.2% of them indicated that dentures should be cleaned at least once a day and rinsed after every meal. Conclusion: The staff of this nursing home demonstrated positive knowledge of periodontal disease and denture care. However, their knowledge of dental caries revealed substantial room for improvement. This could signal an area for future staff training and development. Such efforts would help establish a team of caregivers who can improve the oral health and quality of life for residents in the nursing home.     

Oral health status of elderly hospitalised psychiatric patients

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00633.x Oral health status of elderly hospitalised psychiatric patients Objectives: This study investigated the oral health status of an elderly mentally ill population hospitalised in a psychogeriatric ward in Athens. Materials and methods: A structured interview recorded sociodemographic and dental data, and an oral examination recorded the status of oral tissues and the existing dentures. The patients’ medical records were examined by a hospital’s physician. Results: One hundred and eleven patients with a mean age of 73 years participated in the study. Almost half of them suffered from schizophrenia. Forty percent were completely edentulous but only 38.6% of them used a pair of dentures. The dentate had an average of 12.9 teeth, 50.7% of them had at least one decayed tooth, 44.8% needed at least one extraction, and only 26.7% had filled teeth. The dental hygiene was poor in 83.6% of the patients. More than 60% of the dentures had a defect. Multiple regression analyses showed that increasing age and dementia were significantly related to fewer remaining teeth, and the use of atypical antipsychotics was related to fewer caried teeth. Conclusion: The oral health of the elderly psychiatric patients was very poor. Access to dental care should improve, and the health care staff should be trained to identify oral problems.     

Oral health in institutionalised elderly people in Oslo, Norway and its relationship with dependence and cognitive impairment

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00490.x
Oral health in institutionalised elderly people in Oslo, Norway and its relationship with dependence and cognitive impairment Objective: Investigating oral health’s relationship with dependency and cognitive state. Background: Oral hygiene is poor in the institutionalised elderly. There are problems regarding the oral care of residents having poor mobility or cognitive impairment. Material and methods: Cross‐sectional study involving 135 participants (mean age 85.7, SD 8.8 years) in two categories: nurses doing tooth cleaning and residents doing tooth cleaning. Those cleaned by nurses were categorised as co‐operative or unco‐operative. The oral hygiene status, presence of caries, retained roots and denture‐related stomatitis were recorded. Results: Of the participants, 70% had only natural teeth. The prevalence of caries was 28%. A significant correlation showed that having more teeth gave a poorer Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S) (p = 0.018). The number of retained roots increased with the severity of cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between nurses or residents doing the tooth cleaning on the OHI‐S (p = 0.05) and percentage of dental plaque (p = 0.003). Unco‐operative residents had poorer oral hygiene (p = 0.028), more caries (p = 0.008) and were more often moderate–severe cognitive impaired (p = 0.016). Conclusions: A high percentage of participants had unacceptable oral hygiene. Residents whose teeth were cleaned by the nurses had poorer oral hygiene. Unco‐operative residents had the worst oral hygiene and more caries.     

Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially-dentate elders

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00579.x
Impact of tooth replacement strategies on the nutritional status of partially‐dentate elders Objective: To investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate older patients, and, to compare two different tooth replacement strategies; conventional treatment using removable partial dentures and functionally orientated treatment based on the shortened dental arch. Background: Amongst older patients, diet plays a key role in disease prevention, as poor diets have been linked to numerous illnesses. Poor oral health and loss of teeth can have very significant negative effects on dietary intake and nutritional status for elderly patients. There is evidence that good oral health generally, has positive effects on the nutritional intake of older adults. Materials and methods: A randomised, controlled clinical trial was designed to investigate the impact of tooth replacement on the nutritional status of partially dentate elders. Forty‐four patients aged over 65 years completed the trial, with 21 allocated to conventional treatment and 23 allocated to functionally orientated treatment. Nutritional status was accessed at baseline and after treatment using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a range of haematological markers. Results: At baseline, relationships were observed between the number of occluding tooth contacts and some measures of nutritional status. As the number of contacts increased, MNA scores (R = 0.16), in addition to vitamin B12 (R = 0.21), serum folate (R = 0.32) and total lymphocyte count (R = 0.35), also increased. After treatment intervention, the only measure of nutritional status that showed a statistically significant improvement for both treatment groups was MNA score (p = 0.03). No significant between group differences were observed from analysis of the haematological data. Conclusion: In this study, prosthodontic rehabilitation with both conventional treatment and functionally orientated treatment resulted in an improvement in MNA score. Haematological markers did not illustrate a clear picture of improvement in nutritional status for either treatment group.     

Oral health status in elders from South Brazil: a population-based study

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00617.x Oral health status in elders from South Brazil: a population‐based study Objective: To assess the oral health status of community‐dwelling adults aged 60 years and older from southern Brazil and to determine demographics, socioeconomic, behavioural and dental risk indicators. Materials and methods: This cross‐sectional study used a multistage, probability sampling method to draw a representative sample of the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre, Brazil. A subsample of 217 subjects was included in this analysis. Oral mucosal lesions, dental caries, tooth loss and periodontal status (full‐mouth, six sites per tooth exam) were assessed by calibrated examiners. Results: Prevalence of edentulism was 39.5%, and mean tooth loss was 20.2 (SE = 0.6). Older individuals [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.2], women (OR = 2.3), white people (OR = 5.9), individuals of lower socioeconomic status (OR = 5.6) and smokers (OR = 3.5) had higher likelihood of being edentulous. Approximately 36% of dentate individuals had caries and/or restoration affecting, in average, 5.0 teeth. Periodontitis affected 79% of subjects, and it was associated with older age (OR = 4.0), men (OR = 3.4) and large amounts of supragingival plaque (OR = 3.0). Conclusion: Poor oral health was observed in this elderly population from South Brazil. Sociodemographic disparities accounted for most of the burden of disease and treatment needs.     

Assessment of the efficacy of the utilisation of conventional and electric toothbrushes by the older adults

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of electric and conventional toothbrushes for a group of elderly individuals. Background: Although the electric toothbrush has been recommended for elderly individuals, there had previously never been a study regarding its efficacy. Material and methods: Sixty independent elders of both genders with different oral conditions from the Center Adult Day Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 individuals. One group received the Oral B CrossAction Power electric toothbrush, whereas the other received a conventional Bitufo Class 32 soft toothbrush to perform oral hygiene. The bacterial plaque index (O’Leary Plaque Index) and DMFT index were assessed as a measure of oral hygiene and oral health. The data were analysed using the Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The results of the efficacy of the Oral B Cross Action Power electric toothbrush demonstrated that on the 7th and 15th days, the bacterial plaque indexes were 24.91 ± 12.81 and 22.11 ± 14.46, respectively, which corresponds to a 50.24% removal of bacterial plaque on the 7th and 55.83% on the 15th days. Although the electric toothbrush removed more bacterial plaque than the conventional toothbrush, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both the conventional and the electric toothbrushes were effective in removing bacterial plaque within the elderly group. More studies are necessary to test the efficacy of electric toothbrushes in relation to conventional toothbrushes for elderly patients.     

Oral health care in private and small long-term care facilities: a qualitative study

Objective: Elderly people who are institutionalised receive qualified care. Among the services supplied, oral health care has not always been a priority. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of oral health care provided to the elderly residents in long‐term care facilities (LTC) in Porto Alegre/RS city. Methods: Twelve private and small‐size LTCs (less than 20 residents) participated in this study. All supervisors and 36 carers were interviewed. The data obtained were organised according to the offer of oral health under the following categories: responsibility for oral care, oral care routines, difficulties carrying out oral care routines. Results: The procedures used most often in order of frequency were tooth brushing, prostheses cleaning, use of mouthwashes, soaking of prostheses and cleaning of the tongue. Among the difficulties mentioned were the high cost of dental assistance, the lack of co‐operation both by family members and by the elderly themselves, the oral and general health status of the elderly and the limited time available for carers to carry out the tasks. Oral care is conducted empirically, and the responsibility is left to the carers. Conclusions: Analysis of the statements given reveals that oral care does not follow any kind of protocol or standardisation. The persistence of this situation could lead to unsatisfactory oral health care in private and small LTC facilities.     

Relationship between oral impacts on daily performance and chewing ability among independent elders residing in Daejeon City, Korea

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00504.x
Relationship between oral impacts on daily performance and chewing ability among independent elders residing in Daejeon City, Korea Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) measured by the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) inventory and chewing ability. Methods: The cluster sampling method was used to select a sample of 634 socially active independent community‐dwelling elders. An oral examination was conducted and a questionnaire was implemented. After bivariate comparisons, a multivariable two‐level logistic model was developed for the dichotomous OIDP indicator using the generalised linear mixed model. Results: The mean age of the participants was 74 years and 56.6% were women. Eight percent were edentulous, and the mean number of teeth was 17.7. Overall, 39.3% of participants had one or more oral impacts on daily performance. Elders with chewing ability of 0–49, 50–74 and 75–99% were approximately 120, 20 and seven times more likely to have oral impacts compared with those with full chewing ability, respectively. Elders reporting their oral health as ‘fair’ or ‘better’ were 68% less likely to have oral impacts than those with poor or very poor self‐reported oral health. Conclusion: Among independent elders, amelioration of chewing ability including delivery of appropriate prosthodontic care might independently contribute to improving OHRQoL of elders by improving their physical, psychological and social wellbeing.     

Oral health status in a group of the elderly population residing at home

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00556.x Oral health status in a group of the elderly population residing at home Objectives: To determine the oral health status and treatment needs of subjects aged 65 years and older residing in different districts of Ankara. Materials and methods: A total of 1300 patients, 751 females and 549 males, age 65 and over with a mean age of 72.8 ± 6.34 were included in this study. The subjects were visited at home and toothbrushing habits, visiting the dentist, tooth loss, denture needs were questioned and body mass index values were recorded. Results: 52.5% of the subjects were completely edentulous, 83.3% subjects reported wearing a removable denture. Females had a higher total tooth loss frequency when compared to males (p < 0.05). Total tooth loss between 65 and 69 ages was 47.3%, and increased to 62.4% among those aged 75 and over (p < 0.05). 16.2% of the subjects had not visited a dentist in the last 10 years, and only 3% visited a dentist for control check‐ups; no gender‐based difference was observed as to the frequency of dental visits (P > 0.05). No significant relationship was found between tooth loss and BMI values (P > 0.05). 46.3% of the subjects had chewing problems. Conclusions: The subjects included in this study showed high tooth loss frequency and poor oral hygiene habits. Education regarding maintenance of oral hygiene and regular dental check up should be stressed for the elderly.