Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in institutionalized elderly people in Mashhad, Northeast Iran

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00588.x
Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in institutionalized elderly people in Mashhad, Northeast Iran Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in institutionalized elderly people in Mashhad, northeast of Iran. Background: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in the institutionalized elderly. Methods: In this survey, we studied all of the nursing homes in Mashhad; a total of five encompassing 237 residents. The subjects were examined and lesions recorded in a designed checklist. T‐test, chi‐square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for the analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 79.59 ± 8.88. Ninety‐eight per cent of cases had at least one oral mucosal lesion. The most common lesions were fissured tongue (66.5%), atrophic glossitis (48.8%), sublingual varicosity (42%) and xerostomia (38%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of denture‐related lesions (DRLs) between men and women (p > 0.05). Xerostomia was more prevalent in 70–79‐year‐old than in 60–69‐year‐old subjects. No case of oral malignant lesion was detected. Discussion: These findings revealed a higher prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in Mashhad city compared with other studies conducted in other major cities in Iran and abroad. The results emphasise the necessity of national programmes towards oral health promotion.     

Oral mucosal lesions and temporomandibular joint impairment of elderly people in the South East Local Government Area of Ibadan

Objective: To determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) impairment and oral health‐related habits in the elderly people in South East Local Government Area (SELGA) in Ibadan. Background data: SELGA is one of the largest local government areas in Oyo State, Nigeria and has a population of 225 800. Design: A cross‐sectional survey. Methodology: A randomly selected sample of 690 elderly people from 23 wards in SELGA were examined by two trained and calibrated examiners using mirror, probe and natural light. Results: One hundred and fifty‐five (22.46%) of the elderly examined had one or more oral pathology lesions, representing infection‐related swelling, non‐infection‐related swelling, pre‐malignant lesions, denture stomatitis, non‐denture based ulcers, angular cheilitis, geographic tongue, scrotal tongue, lichen planus, hyper‐pigmentation and TMJ impairment. Fifty‐five (35.5%) of these pathologies were infection‐related swellings. Six (3.9%) of the pathologies were denture‐related stomatitis, 14(9.03%) were pre‐malignant lesions, 14(9.03%) were non‐infection‐related swelling, while 27 (17.4%) were TMJ impairment. The rest of the lesions constituted the remaining 25.1%. Only 15.9% of the participants had tobacco‐related habits, 10.7% drank alcohol, whilst 41.6% chewed kola nuts. Conclusion: Oral pathoses prevalence (22.46%) was similar to findings in developed countries (29.9%) but with a reversal of causal factors, infection‐related swellings were more common, whereas pre‐malignant lesions were less common. The infections were mostly complications from periodontal disease, which culminated in abscess formation. Tobacco‐related habits were not highly prevalent among the elderly people in SELGA. However, oral pathoses resulting from nutritional deficiencies were the third most frequent lesions observed.     

Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00289.x
Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers Objective: To determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) and denture‐related mucosal lesions (DMLs) in denture wearers and to co‐relate the prevalence with age, gender, type of denture and any systemic conditions. Materials and methods: Dental records of 380 denture wearers were retrospectively reviewed for OMLs and DMLs. Results: We found 45% of the denture wearers had DMLs and 60.8% had OMLs not related to denture wearing. Although the prevalence of DMLs was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers (49% vs. 42.2%), this difference was not significant. The most common DMLs were traumatic ulcer (19.5%) and denture‐induced stomatitis (18.1%). When analysed by type, traumatic ulcer, denture hyperplasia, frictional keratosis and candidiasis were more common in complete denture wearers, whereas denture‐induced stomatitis was more common in partial denture wearers. Frictional keratosis was more common in men than in women. The prevalence of OMLs not related to denture wearing was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers, and the most common OML was fissured tongue (27.6%). No association between DMLs and systemic conditions or xerostomic drugs was noted. Conclusion: No differences in the prevalence of DMLs in association with denture type were found. The prevalence of OMLs not related to denture wearing was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers. This difference was affected by age, and the data were similar to the findings observed in the 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.     

Tooth loss, denture wearing and associated factors among an elderly institutionalised Brazilian population

Objective: This cross‐sectional study assessed the prevalence and extent of tooth loss as well as denture wear and associated factors in institutionalised elderly in Brazil. Background: There is scarcity of research in Brazil concerning geriatric oral health issues. Material and methods: A sample of 335 individuals over 60 years of age, representative of the institutionalised elderly from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were selected through a stratified sampling strategy. Data were collected from structured questionnaires, reviews of medical records and intra‐oral examinations. Results: Edentulousness was observed in 74.9% of the elderly and was related to age, years of study, income, length of institutionalisation, systemic diseases and mini‐mental score. Among the dentate subjects, 17.9% possessed 20 or more teeth. Approximately half the edentulous elderly (42.6%) and most of the partially dentate subjects (66.7%) did not wear dentures. The multivariate analysis showed that subjects that wear dentures were more likely to be female, possess higher incomes, be more functionally independent and married. Furthermore, the odds of wearing dentures among the elderly who had lost 13–32 teeth were 9.11 times higher than those who had lost up to 12 teeth. Conclusion: Tooth loss is highly prevalent in this institutionalised Brazilian population, and the prevalence of denture wear is low. The extent of tooth loss, income, functional status and marital status are important predictors for denture wear. The development of an oral health programme for these individuals should assist in their rehabilitation needs and promote in‐home care or safe transport for the elderly to a health care location.     

Geriatric dentistry: is rethinking still required? A community‐based survey in Indian population

Gerodontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00667.x Geriatric dentistry: is rethinking still required? A community‐based survey in Indian population Background: India has a large geriatric population (60 years and above) of 77 million; comprising 7.7% of its total population. Poor oral health and loss of teeth not only adversely affect the dietary intake and nutritional status and thereby compromise general health, but can also deny them the pleasure of eating food of their choice. Objective: To assess the level of edentulousness, denture wearing and denture needs of the elderly in the community and to study the correlation between oral health parameters and sociodemographic variables which would help us to define better treatment modalities, counselling and thus improve the oral health of our geriatric patients. Materials and Methods: Subjects who were 60 years and above were considered for this study and were randomly selected. Of the 1360 elderly who were enrolled in the study, 780 (57.35%) were males and 580 (42.64%) were female. This sample size is in proportion to the total population for the pilot study. They were given an oral examination and a questionnaire. Results: Fifty seven percent (57%) of the elderly were not satisfied with their oral health status and function. Conclusion: Complete edentulousness of both the arches was highest in the middle socio‐economic group, and was the lowest in the low socio‐economic group. Less than 50% of edentulous elderly and only 10% of partially edentulous elderly were wearing dentures.     

The clinical evaluation of the oral status in Alzheimer-type dementia patients

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00401.x
The clinical evaluation of the oral status in Alzheimer‐type dementia patients Background: To evaluate the oral health status in patients with Alzheimer dementia (AD), and the association of the disease severity with the oral findings. Methods: The study was conducted on the study group (31 AD patients) and the control group (47 healthy volunteers) from the Neurology Department of the Institute. Cognitive status was evaluated with the MMSE scoring system. Oral parameters, such as decaying, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index and teeth present (PT) were evaluated in the patients. Oral hygiene status, denture status and mucosal lesions, including denture‐induced stomatitis were also investigated. Results: The study was conducted on the study group (31 AD patients) and the control group (47 healthy volunteers). Tooth brushing and denture cleaning were irregular in 22 of 31 (70%) patients with AD. The ratio of the subjects who forgot to remove their denture during the night was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.001). In this study, decreased cognitive functions in AD patients have been demonstrated to result in a deterioration of denture care and increased denture‐related mucosal lesions. Conclusions: These findings were considered due to decreased denture care including the non‐removal of the denture in the night in the patients with decreased cognitive functions.     

An epidemiological survey of oral mucosal lesions among elderly Malaysians

A house to house random survey on elderly subjects was undertaken in the District of Klang in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OML) among the elderly in this area. The primary units in the sampling frame were the Enumeration Blocks (EBs) as defined under the population census. All households of the selected EBs were considered as sampling units and members aged 60 and above were considered as respondents. There was a slight preponderance of females, with the Malays comprising the majority of the subjects. Of the 486 respondents, mean aged 69.1 ± 7.3 yr, 111 had at least one oral mucosal lesion, a prevalence of 22.8%. A total of 145 lesions were detected. The prevalence of OML was highest among Indians and least among the Chinese. The most common finding was tongue lesions, recording a prevalence of 10.7%, followed by oral pigmentation (4.9%) and white lesions (4.3%). Denture related lesions were comparatively low at 2.5%. Two cases of oral cancer if representative would give a relatively high prevalence of 0.4%.     

The prevalence of denture stomatitis and its predisposing conditions in an older Greek population

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00359.x
The prevalence of denture stomatitis and its predisposing conditions in an older Greek population Background: Pathology related to complete denture‐wearing will remain an important issue because of an increase in the ageing population. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors for denture‐related stomatitis in the edentulous maxilla of older patients with a maxillary complete denture. Material and methods: One hundred and six patients treated in the Department of Prosthodontics of the Athens Dental School were interviewed and clinically examined. The results were analysed using chi‐square tests and multiple logistic regression. Results: Denture stomatitis was recorded in 39.6% of the sample (pinpoint hyperaemia: 17%, diffuse erythema: 16%, papillary hyperplasia: 6.6%). Chi‐square tests recorded significant associations between denture stomatitis and the continuous use of dentures (particularly the diffuse erythema type), the increased duration of denture experience and the poor retention of the maxillary denture. Other significant associations were recorded between the increased age of the current denture and pinpoint hyperaemia, and the reduced frequency of denture cleaning and papillary hyperplasia. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that the most important risk factor for denture stomatitis was the continuous use of the denture. Conclusion: The prevalence of denture stomatitis was high in denture users. Although many predisposing conditions were recorded, the most important risk factor was the continuous use of the denture. Therefore, appropriate advice on denture maintenance should be provided.     

Prevalence of oral and dental disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht,Iran

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00313.x
Prevalence of oral and dental disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht, Iran Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental and oral mucosal lesions in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht. Background: Oral health in the elderly people is important to tailor the health programmes for this increasing age group within the population. Methods: A total of 216 elderly people residing in a geriatric nursing home were included in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined clinically and registered in a data collection form and analysed using spss version 11 program (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: The prevalence of dental and oral disorders was 44.9% and 86.1% respectively. The most frequent oral disorders were dry mouth (42.1%), fissure tongue (25.9%), atrophic of tongue (25%), sublingual varicosity (22.7%), burning sensation (16.7%) and varix (15.3%). The prevalence of edentulousness was 56% (95%CI: 49–63%). The mean level of retained teeth was 3.22. The odds of an oral mucosal disorder in females were significantly more than in males (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.25–6.23). Discussion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of dental and oral disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht in comparison to similar studies. The mean of retained teeth was also much lower than in other reports. Therefore, the necessity for regular oral examination of these rapidly expanding age groups of people is essential.     

Factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in complete denture wearers

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00351.x
Factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in complete denture wearers Objective: To determine the frequency of the oral lesions related to gender, age, the length of time of denture usage, education level and economic status. Methods: The 153 patients with old complete dentures (CD) were asked to participate in the investigation. The subjects (76 male and 77 female) were 37–85 years of age with a mean age of 61.8 ± 9.8 years. Education, economic status and age factors were estimated in subgroups. The data obtained were evaluated by one‐way anova , Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Student’s t‐test and chi‐squared test. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The patients who had denture stomatitis and traumatic ulcers were statistically significantly older than the ones who did not have these lesions (p < 0.05). Based on the length of denture usage, patients who had a flabby ridge, fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia, traumatic ulcers (p < 0.01) and denture stomatitis (p < 0.05) were using their dentures statistically significantly longer than the ones who had healthy tissues. Conclusions: The CD wearers should be advised to visit their dentist regularly to prevent oral mucosal lesions due to the changing supporting tissues during the length of denture usage and to improve their quality of life.     

General health, dental status and perceived dental treatment needs of an elderly population in Istanbul

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00363.x
General health, dental status and perceived dental treatment needs of an elderly population in Istanbul Background: Comprehensive data on the oral health status and dental treatment needs of the elderly population in Turkey are deficient. Objectives: This pilot study determined the general and dental health status, perceived medical and dental treatment needs of an elderly population dwelling in residential homes in Istanbul. Method: Subjects at three different residential homes, namely one belonging to the state and two supported by foundations in Istanbul (N=121, female: 63 and male: 58) were involved in this study. A detailed questionnaire was prepared and dental examinations were conducted. Information was collected related to age, education levels, financial status, current physical functional status, general health, mental health, previous dental history, current dental status, oral hygiene practices and denture hygiene of these elderly people. The prevalence of edentulism, the presence and type of dental prostheses, dental and denture status and denture cleanliness were further evaluated. Results: The three most prevalent reported general health problems were associated with genito‐urinary problems (24%) followed by cardiovascular (18%) and respiratory problems (14%) varying significantly between genders, with males suffering more from cardiovascular problems than females (p < 0.05). Females showed significantly higher gastrointestinal and orthopaedic problems than males (p < 0.05). Females were more frequently edentulous than males but denture hygiene was significantly better in females than in males (p < 0.05). Brushing frequency did not significantly increase denture hygiene (p = 0.6). More than one‐third of the subjects had not been to the dentist within the previous 5–10 years, mainly due to lack of demand, followed by the cost of the dental care and fear. More than two‐thirds of denture‐wearing subjects wore their dentures only during eating. Conclusions: There was significant perceived dental treatment and care need for the sample population of elderly studied.     

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.     

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in a population of complete denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00574.x
Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in a population of complete denture wearers Background: Complete tooth loss among the elderly is still frequent in developing countries and the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a common finding in complete denture wearers. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a population of complete denture wearers. Materials and Methods: The data were collected by four examiners for the diagnosis of use and need for complete dentures followed by the World Health Organization standards and interviews for TMD signs and symptoms evaluation. Exploratory variables included demographic, socio‐economic status and TMD prevalence. Results: The prevalence of TMD among denture wearers was 55.12%. Chi‐squared test showed no statistical difference between subjects with or without TMD for gender, geographical location and skin colour (p < 0.05). The number of subjects with TMD increased as the period of complete denture wear increased, although no statistical difference between groups were found (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a need of educational programmes aiming at the importance of health care and periodical change of a complete denture, and strategies with a preventive approach to quality general dental care.     

Oral lesions in elderly population: a biopsy survey using 2250 histopathological records

Objective: To perform an oral biopsy survey focused on the incidence of oral lesions in Brazilian elderly patients. Methods: A total of 17 329 oral biopsy records were analysed and divided into two age groups: elderly patients, ≥60 years old; and non‐elderly patients, <60 years old. Information about sex, race, age and histopathological diagnosis (categorised in non‐neoplastic and neoplastic lesions) was collected. Differences of diagnosis incidence were tested by comparison between two proportions (binomial test). Results: The incidence of epithelial malignant neoplasms and pre‐malignant lesions in the elderly group was higher than non‐elderly group, as well as autoimmune diseases and salivary gland tumours. The three most prevalent lesions in the elderly group were inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibroma. Conclusion: The distribution of oral diseases using biopsies allows greater accuracy in data about oral health of elderly patients, especially when considering malignant and pre‐malignant lesions.     

Prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00618.x Prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits Introduction: With ageing, the oral mucosa becomes more susceptible to external stimuli. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of soft tissue oral lesion in elderly and its relations with deleterious habits. Materials and methods: It was a quantitative research conducted at the dental clinic of UNIFOR, Fortaleza‐CE, in the period from 1998 to 2006. The sample consisted of all 756 records of the elderly, and the data were processed by SPSS 15.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The majority (63.0) were women, age 60–92, mean age 67 ± 6. The most significant proportions were married (48.4%), retired (42.3%) and incomplete primary school (31.5%). It was found a prevalence of 18.3% of oral lesions, with the risk being 1.6 times higher (p = 0.030) among youngest (up to 65 years) and 1.7 times higher among smokers (p = 0.048). Although this risk is 1.6 times higher among those who drank alcohol, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.122). Conclusion: The elderly showed a high prevalence of oral lesion, being the youngest, the smokers and the alcohol consumers those most vulnerable to the emergence of these diseases. Dental services need to implement programs of elderly care and health education, essential to clarify the risks and their associations with oral diseases, aiming to promote health.     

Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00545.x Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers Background and objective: The prevalence of malnutrition increases with age because of many factors. Edentulousness leads to the avoidance of many types of foods. The aim of this study was to determine whether elderly complete denture wearers have a higher risk of malnutrition than dentate controls. Material and methods: A Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a 3‐day dietary record were compiled for a group of fully dentates (21 women and 29 men; mean age 70.1 ± 6.1) and for a group of complete denture wearers (31 women and 16 men; mean age 70.1 ± 8.1). Socio‐demographic data and scores on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire were collected. Results: Inter‐group comparison of MNA scores showed that more subjects in the edentulous group (21.3%) risked malnutrition than in the dentate group (0%). The variability of the MNA could be explained for 22% by dental status, 7% by loneliness and 4% by the GOHAI score (regression analysis). Both groups had insufficient energy intakes and deficits in vitamins and micronutrients; moreover, edentulous subjects had lower intakes than dentate subjects. Conclusion: The use of conventional dentures increases the risk of malnutrition in the elderly.     

Palatal and mandibular tori in a Romanian removable denture-wearing population

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00318.x
Palatal and mandibular tori in a Romanian removable denture‐wearing population Objective: To establish the prevalence of palatal tori (TP) and mandibular tori (TM) in a Romanian denture‐wearing population in order to see how or if tori influenced the denture design or the treatment planning. Background data: There are no available data regarding tori in an elderly Romanian population and its implication for treatment planning. It could be considered a local factor influencing the quality of prosthetic treatment. Material and method: Tori prevalence was investigated in 251 patients, with an average age of 62 years. A statistical analysis was made, using odds ratio (OR) for the distribution related to gender and the Chi‐squared test for the differences in prevalence related to age groups. Treatment planning difficulties because of presence of tori were recorded. Results: Frequency of TP was significantly higher in both genders (OR = 2.0661 and p = 0.0446) and non‐significant frequency for distribution between genders for TM (OR = 0.9421 and p = 0.8273). The differences in age groups showed both tori types have a variable prevalence related to age. The most frequent location for TP was found in the posterior one‐third and two‐thirds of the palate and for TM in the canine and first premolar area presenting with different sizes. Conclusions: Tori prevalence in our study group is high and is significantly related to age (p < 0.05) having a peak at over 60 years. The preferential site of TP in the posterior palatal area and this location has an impact on decision making in treatment planning for the upper denture.     

Self-reported oral hygiene habits among institutionalised elderly and their relationship to the condition of oral tissues in Taubaté, Brazil

Objectives: To record self‐reported hygiene habits, examine the oral conditions of a sample group of institutionalised elderly, and examine possible relationships between these habits and conditions. Design: Cross‐sectional. Setting: All the institutions for the elderly in Taubaté, Brazil. Subjects: The entire population of these institutionalised elderly people (n = 553). Intervention: The subjects were interviewed and underwent an oral examination. Main outcome measures: Oral hygiene habits, oral conditions and statistical relationships between habits and oral conditions were recorded. Results: The average age of the subjects who knew their age (n = 364) was 74.9 years (±12.9), and 64.7% of the sample group were females. Denture‐related stomatitis was found in 19.5%, impaired manual dexterity in 40%, dry mouth sensation in 36.3%, difficulty in performing oral hygiene in 20%, no oral hygiene‐related orientation in 54.1%, no periodic oral examinations in 59.5%, and no tongue cleaning in 68.3% was declared. Among dentate subjects, 73.3% had periodontal disease, 54.7% had caries, 26% reported no toothbrushing, and 7.3% reported flossing. Of the denture wearers, 7% did not brush their dentures. Denture‐related stomatitis showed a statistical relationship with impaired manual dexterity (p = 0.012) and an inverse statistical relationship with denture brushing frequency (p = 0.006). Periodontal disease showed an inverse relationship to flossing (p < 0.001) and tongue cleaning (p = 0.0026). Caries showed an inverse relationship with tooth‐brushing (p = 0.043), flossing (0.022), proper oral hygiene orientation (p = 0.041) and periodical check‐ups (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices in this sample group were found to be inadequate, and statistically significant relationships were verified between the lack of good oral hygiene practices and the deleterious oral conditions.