ORAL HEALTH OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF VAIGACH ISLAND, ARCTIC RUSSIA

Abstract

Introduction: Environmental, social and cultural factors are the main determinants of human health including oral health. However, the evidence on oral health among indigenous people of Arctic Russia is very scarce. Aim: To assess dental health among indigenous residents of the Arctic island of Vaigach. Methods: All 14 children and 24 adults of the Nenets ethnic group permanently living on Vaigach island (Arctic Russia) were examined. The prevalence and experience of dental caries was measured using the sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth in permanent and primary dentition (DMFT, dft, dft + DMFT). Oral hygiene was assessed by Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was studied by y Оral Health Imрact Рrоfile-14 (OHIP-14). The data are presented as medians with the first- and the third quartiles (Q1; Q3). Results: A moderate prevalence and low experience of caries was revealed among children of the indigenous ethnic group (dft = 1,5 (0,0; 4,5), dft + DMFT = 2,5 (1,0; 4,0)). All 100 % of adults had caries with DMFT of 15,0 (8,0; 25,5). As many as 42 % had a healthy periodontium, 33 % had gingivitis 25 % had periodontitis. At the same time, the level of hygiene was good and with low intensity of gingival inflammation (median OHIS = 1,0 (0,3; 1,0). Periodontal attachment loss of 0-3 mm and 4-5 mm was observed in 75,0 % and 4.2 % of participants, respectively. The level of dental care was insufficient 13,4 (0,0; 61,3) %. The median total OHIP-14 score was 6,5 (2,0; 12,0) suggesting a good level of OHRQoL. Conclusion: Our results warrant development of activities aimed at promotion of oral health and OHRQoL and prevention of caries and other oral diseases of the indigenous people in Arctic Russia.