Abstract
Background: Investigating self-perception of oral health among the elderly may contribute towards changing public health and assistance policies in the area. Methods: The present study assessed the oral health status (tooth decay, need for treatment, periodontal status, use of and need for dental prosthesis, soft tissue alterations and self-perception of oral health) of 102 elderly people from two community groups in Fortaleza, Ceara State, Brazil. Results: Mean age was 69.9 years and 82.4% were female. Mean DMFT was 30.17 with a predominant missing component; 63.7% were edentulous. Regarding prosthesis, 29.4% and 67.6% of elderly patients did not use upper and lower dentures respectively, while 66.7% and 78.4% required some type of upper and lower prosthesis respectively. Among valid sextants, 44.3% presented dental calculus and 34.3% presented loss of attachment from 6 to 8 mm. Soft tissue alterations were found in 58.8%. Despite of precarious clinical conditions and dental treatment needs, good oral health perception was found (49%), as well as satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and gums (60.8%). Conclusion: Subjects displayed unsatisfactory oral health conditions, accumulated over time and resulting from the lack of policies favoring this age group. There is a need for oral rehabilitation that enables the recovery of function and esthetics among the elderly, restoring their self-esteem and improving social interaction.
Highlights
The proportion of elderly people has grown substantially in relation to other age groups [1]
In 2003, only 10% had more than 20 of their own teeth [4], a much lower percentage than that proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) [5], which recommended that 50% of the elderly population should have more than 20 teeth in their mouths by the year 2000
We evaluated a total of 102 subjects, aged 60 years or older, of any gender, both independent and partially dependent according to classifications of the Fédération Dentaire Internationale [11]
Summary
The proportion of elderly people has grown substantially in relation to other age groups [1]. This can be attributed to demographic transition resulting from technological advances and improved standards of living, as well as a significant decrease in birth and child mortality rates, and deaths from infectious diseases. Methods: The present study assessed the oral health status (tooth decay, need for treatment, periodontal status, use of and need for dental prosthesis, soft tissue alterations and self-perception of oral health) of 102 elderly people from two community groups in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. Despite of precarious clinical conditions and dental treatment needs, good oral health perception was found (49%), as well as satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and gums (60.8%). There is a need for oral rehabilitation that enables the recovery of function and esthetics among the elderly, restoring their self-esteem and improving social interaction
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