Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of dental caries and to identify risk factors for dental caries in an elderly population between 2008 and 2018. This longitudinal study used data from a questionnaire survey and a clinical examination administered on two occasions 10years apart to 273 individuals who were 65 and 75years of age in 2008. The variables included were prevalence of dental caries as well as socioeconomic and socio-behavioural factors. The number of teeth decreased in both age groups by a mean of 2 over the 10-year study period, but the prevalence of dental caries remained stable. Approximately, a quarter of the participants had caries lesions. Toothbrushing once a day or less was the factor most strongly correlated with dental caries lesions (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 1.68-8.66, p=0.001), followed by need for homecare (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.55-7.93, p=0.003) and interproximal cleaning less than once a day (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.36-5.19, p=0.004). This longitudinal study revealed no increase in the prevalence of dental caries lesions, indicating that good oral health can be preserved among elderly people. The highest risk for dental caries lesions was among participants with inadequate oral hygiene routines (toothbrushing once a day or less and seldom using interproximal devices) and in need of help in daily living, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene and collaboration between dental services and community-based health care.
Highlights
The proportion of elderly people in the population is increasing
This longitudinal study reveals the incidence of dental caries lesions and risk factors for caries among older people
The mean number of teeth decreased over a period of 10 years, but the mean number of decayed teeth and surfaces did not increase
Summary
The proportion of elderly people in the population is increasing. The number of individuals above 80 years of age is growing fast, and is globally estimated to nearly triple to 426 million in 2050.1 In Sweden, the number of individuals aged 80 years and older is expected to increase from 500,000 to almost 755,000 in 2028.2 Older adults today tend to retain their natural teeth, and the proportion of edentulous individuals is decreasing.[3,4] This development is challenging for both dental and nursing personnel, as the need for help with dental care and daily oral hygiene increases. There is an increasing risk of oral diseases, including dental caries, which is one of the most common oral diseases and the most prevalent in older age groups. Dental caries is closely linked to socioeconomic status,[5] broader social
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