Oral Care Program Research Articles

Oral mucositis management with photobiomodulation, Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) and Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), the FITOPROT herbal medicine, and its influence on inflammatory cytokine levels: a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of a mucoadhesive formula, containing curcuminoids from Curcuma longa L. and glycerinated extract of Bidens pilosa L. (FITOPROT), associated with photobiomodulation (PBM), and of PBM exclusively, on the incidence of oral mucositis (OM)-induced by radiotherapy (RT) in the head and neck region, and the salivary expression of inflammatory cytokines, in patients with head neck cancer. Patients were randomly assigned into two intervention groups-FITOPROT + PBM (n = 25) or PBM (n = 27). PBM protocol comprised a wavelength of 660nm, 25 mW, 0.25J/point, and daily irradiation from the first until the last day of RT. FITOPROT was gargled twice a day. All patients underwent a preventive oral care program throughout the study. OM degree, salivary concentration of nitrite, and inflammatory (IL-1, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were assessed at baseline, and at the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. There were no differences in the OM degree between groups, but the RT dose significantly affected the OM. The RT significantly affected the salivary nitrite, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-10 concentrations. FITOPROT associated with PBM showed limited effects on preventing the incidence of severe OM compared to PBM alone. However, FITOPROT + PBM may be associated with nitrite and cytokine balance, which may contribute to the occurrence of fewer cases of severe OM. Brazilian Clinical Trials database (ReBEC; RBR-9vddmr), registered UTN code: U1111-1193-2066, registered in August 8th, 2017.

The effect of using the CAMBRA mobile application on dental caries management in children and adolescents

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CAMBRA-students application by assessing the changes in dental caries risk factors and management effectiveness in elementary and middle school students. Methods: This study was conducted between July 2023 and May 2024 and included 113 participants (55 experimental and 58 control participants). Participants used the CAMBRA-students application to enter the protective and risk factors. Clinicians recorded the disease indicators and classified the participants into risk groups. Only the experimental group received the tailored dental caries management program, with feedback provided via the applicationat each intervention stage. Results: The pre- and postintervention assessments revealed an increase in the high-risk group and a decrease in the extremehigh-risk group. Conversely, the control group exhibited a decrease in the high-risk group and an increase in the extreme high-risk group. The DMFT index and rateand salivary flow rate increased in both groups. The Simple Hygiene Score and ΔR decreased and increased in the experimental and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The CAMBRA-students application effectively prevented dental caries in children and adolescents. The future development of personalized oral care programs tailored to different life stages is recommended.

Assessment of oral health status and quality of life in hearing-impaired children from Syria

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the oral health status of children with hearing impairments and assess the relationship between various oral health factors and the Pediatric Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.Materials and methodsThis observational cohort study involved 90 hearing-impaired children aged 6–12 years. Diagnostic tools such as pure-tone audiometry were used to evaluate their hearing abilities. Dental health was assessed by calculating DMFT, dmft, Plaque and Gingival indices. The oral health-related quality of life was measured using the POHRQoL.ResultsThe severity of hearing impairment varied with 3% having severe hearing loss, 13% having profound hearing loss, and 83% having complete hearing loss. A high prevalence of dental cavities with 93% of children affected was found. DMFT score was similar between males and females (2.5 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 respectively). Males exhibited a higher mean dmft score (4.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5), and a higher mean Plaque Index (1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.1). On the other hand, females showed a higher mean Gingival Index (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2). Results indicated a decreased OHRQoL with a mean POQL score of 6.4 ± 2.89. Spearman’s test revealed a significant positive correlation between POQL total score and DMFT scores (P = 0.000), dmft scores (P = 0.000), Plaque Index scores (P = 0.000), and Gingival Index scores (P = 0.038). There was a weak positive correlation between hearing impairment severity and POQL total score, it was not statistically significant.ConclusionsChildren who have hearing impairments exhibit poor oral health, and levels of dental caries, which can negatively impact their overall POHRQoL. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start specialized oral health education and comprehensive dental care programs to improve their OHRQoL.

Health status, care dependency and oral care utilization among older adults: a register-based study.

The aim of the study was to examine oral care utilisation among older Danes and to describe the extent to which oral care use is associated with the co-existence of challenges relating to general health and care dependency. The study used registry data covering the entire population of older adults (≥65 years) in seven municipalities in Denmark (N = 178 787 individuals). Oral care services utilisation was computed from administrative data on oral care contacts up to and including 2019, including both private oral care and a municipal oral care programme (MOCP). Various registry data sources were used to compute risk factors to describe oral care utilisation across indicators of general health and care dependency. Indicators for poorer health were associated with larger proportions of individuals enrolled in the MOCPs and larger proportions of non-users of any type of oral care. Higher degrees of care dependency were associated with larger proportions of individuals enrolled in MOCPs and individuals with no use of any oral care services, with the exception of nursing home residents, who comprised a lower proportion of non-users than individuals receiving at-home care. Municipal oral care mainly enrolled older adults who were nursing home residents (60% of nursing home residents were enrolled). Our findings support existing evidence on the link between oral care utilisation and general health and frailty. While the municipal care programmes assisted in covering oral care for those with the highest level of care dependency, future preventive strategies for ensuring care continuity for older adults that are increasing in frailty may want to focus on the earlier stages of frailty and of general health deterioration.

Effect of an Oral Care Program with Honey on Chemotherapy-related Mucositis among Cancer Patients

Objectives: This study examined the effect of an oral care program with honey on chemotherapy-related mucositis among cancer patients.Methods: In this randomized quasi-experimental study, 34 participants were assigned to either a honey group (n = 17, swish-hold-swallow with acacia honey) or a saline control group (n = 17, mouthwashes with normal saline). The 14-day oral care program comprised a 20-30 minute’s single education session and 1 minute‘s swishing with acacia honey or 3 minutes’ mouthwashes with normal saline solution for 4 times/day (after three meals and before bed time). Mucositis score was assessed at the time of enrollment, day 7, and day 14 using the Oral Assessment Guide. Data were analyzed with repeated measures of ANCOVA and repeated measures of ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction.Results: There was no significant interaction between groups and follow-up times in the mucositis scores. Within the honey group, there was a significant increment in the mucositis score at day 7 (t = 6.42, <i>p</i>< 0.001) and a significant decrement at day 14 (t = 11.02, <i>p</i>< 0.001). In the saline group, there was a significant increment in the mucositis score at day 7 (t = 9.62, <i>p</i>< 0.001) and a significant decrement at day 14 (t = -10.03, <i>p</i>< 0.001).Conclusions: A supportive oral care program using honey or saline may be suggested to ameliorate the chemotherapy related mucositis as a safe, feasible, and appropriate care for cancer patients.

Clinical assessment of the periodontal tissues during complex treatment of patients with chronic generalized periodontitis using herbal rinse

BACKGROUND: Preserving the effect of periodontal disease treatment and choosing an individual oral care program are urgent issues in dentistry.
 AIM: To examine the clinical dynamics and index indicators of the state of the oral cavity in patients with mild but chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) before and after complex treatment using a mouthwash (“Art-Dental Expert”; LLC “KorolevPharm”).
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the main (using “Art-Dental Expert” mouthwash) and control (using 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate) groups of patients with mild CGP. The state of periodontal tissues was assessed using a simplified hygiene index (OHI-S, Green–Vermillion), probing bleeding index (BOP), papillary–marginal–alveolar index (PMA), and the index of the need for periodontal disease treatment (CPITN).
 RESULTS: The main group showed positive dynamics of changes in the indices characterizing the state of the periodontium, with a significant difference in indicators when compared with the control group.
 CONCLUSION: The use of “Art-Dental Expert” mouthwash for the treatment of patients with mild CGP has a fast and stable prolonged clinical effect with normalization of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the state of periodontal tissues. The “Art-Dental Expert” mouthwash can be recommended for long-term use.

Barriers and enablers for oral health promotion programs amongst primary healthcare stakeholders in Qatar – a qualitative investigation

BackgroundOral health of preschool children remains a concern globally. Primary healthcare providers are in a vital position to support preventive oral care programmes. This study explored current practices, perception and barriers of primary health care professionals towards oral health promotion program of children in Qatar.MethodsThe qualitative research used focus group discussions and interviewed a total of 108 participants that were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four major themes emerged and were analysed to explore contextual patterns within the data.ResultsParticipants acknowledged the high prevalence of caries in children and identified the causes in the local context which included parental practices, poor dietary habits, impact of culture lack of oral health knowledge, limitations in the healthcare system, and negative role of the media. However, complex barriers were exposed, including lack of time and ownership, system coordination between organizations, and lack of policy.ConclusionHealth professionals and bureaucrats involved in decision-making held a positive attitude towards oral health prevention programs and were enthusiastic to initiate and support these programs.

The impact of aromatherapy-based oral care on oral conditions, salivary pH, and halitosis in older adults with dementia: Pilot study

Inadequate oral care and poor oral health in older adults are known to increase the risk of dementia. Dementia patients residing in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable to oral diseases due to their care-resistant behavior. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 7-day oral care program based on an aroma solution in 58 dementia patients (29 each in the experimental and control groups) admitted to a long-term care hospital in South Korea. The experimental group received oral care with a solution containing peppermint, tea tree, and lemon essential oils, and the control group with a saline solution. The effectiveness of oral care was assessed by the participants’ oral condition, salivary pH, and halitosis. The experimental group showed significant improvements (P<.001) in all three outcomes, indicating that oral care with an aroma solution can improve the oral health of older dementia patients residing in long-term care facilities.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.

Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one's physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

Overview of oral and dental healthcare in Dubai health authority: status, gaps, and initiatives, 2016-2021

This article provides an overview of the current status of oral and dental healthcare within the Dubai health authority (DHA) and highlights the gaps and the impact of initiatives implemented between 2016 and 2021. The oral and dental care program, part of the Dubai health strategy 2016-2021, aimed to enhance oral and dental care by ensuring widespread access to high-quality treatments and effective prevention programs. To gain a comprehensive understanding, an initial assessment of the current state of oral and dental care was conducted with the assistance of an external consultant. This assessment encompassed a review of existing clinical guidelines, frameworks, and awareness initiatives, as well as an evaluation of the patient journey and accessibility. While noteworthy innovative measures were already in place, certain gaps were identified, and recommendations were proposed to address them. Subsequently, specific initiatives and programs were implemented in alignment with these recommendations to bridge the identified gaps. A notable achievement was the development of the Dubai dental protocol, which governs a patient-centered model of care and emphasizes a life-course approach to dental health promotion, addressing the diverse stages of life from pre-pregnancy to geriatric care.

Effects of a swallowing and oral-care program on resuming oral feeding and reducing pneumonia in patients following endotracheal extubation: a randomized, open-label, controlled trial

BackgroundThe resumption of oral feeding and free from pneumonia are important therapeutic goals for critically ill patients who have been successfully extubated after prolonged (≥ 48 h) endotracheal intubation. We aimed to examine whether a swallowing and oral-care (SOC) program provided to critically ill patients extubated from prolonged mechanical ventilation improves their oral-feeding resumption and reduces 30-day pneumonia incidence.MethodsIn this randomized, open-label, controlled trial, participants were consecutively enrolled and randomized to receive the SOC program or usual care. The interventions comprised three protocols: oral-motor exercise, sensory stimulation and lubrication, and safe-swallowing education. Beginning on the day following patient extubation, an SOC nurse provided the three-protocol care for seven consecutive days or until death or hospital discharge. With independent outcome assessors, oral-feeding resumption (yes, no) corresponded to level 6 or level 7 on the Functional Oral Intake Scale (censored seven days postextubation) along with radiographically documented pneumonia (yes, no; censored 30 days postextubation), abstracted from participants’ electronic medical records were coded.ResultsWe analyzed 145 randomized participants (SOC group = 72, control group = 73). The SOC group received, on average, 6.2 days of intervention (14.8 min daily) with no reported adverse events. By day 7, 37/72 (51.4%) of the SOC participants had resumed oral feeding vs. 24/73 (32.9%) of the control participants. Pneumonia occurred in 11/72 (15.3%) of the SOC participants and in 26/73 (35.6%) of the control participants. Independent of age and intubation longer than 6 days, SOC participants were likelier than their control counterparts to resume oral feeding (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.35; 95% CI 1.38–4.01) and had lower odds of developing pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28; 95% CI 0.12–0.65).ConclusionsThe SOC program effectively improved patients’ odds that oral feeding would resume and the 30-day pneumonia incidence would decline. The program might advance dysphagia care provided to critically ill patients extubated from prolonged mechanical ventilation.Trial registration: NCT03284892, registered on September 15, 2017.

Best Practices in Oral Care.

Best Practices in Oral Care.

Multisite Evaluation of Toothbrushes and Microbial Growth in the Hospital Setting.

This observational, descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence of microbial growth on toothbrushes found in hospital patient rooms. Toothbrush sampling was conducted in 136 acute care hospitals and medical centers from November 2018 through February 2022. Inclusion criteria for the units and patient rooms sampled were as follows: general adult medical-surgical units or critical care units; rooms occupied by adults 18 years or older who were capable of (1) mobilizing to the bathroom; (2) using a standard manual, bristled toothbrush; and (3) room did not have signage indicating isolation procedures. A total of 5340 patient rooms were surveyed. Of the rooms included, 46% (2455) of patients did not have a toothbrush available or had not used a toothbrush (still in package and/or toothpaste not opened). Of the used toothbrushes collected (n = 1817): 48% (872/1817) had at least 1 organism; 14% (251/1817) of the toothbrushes were positive for 3 or more organisms. These results identify the lack of availability of toothbrushes for patients and support the need for hospitals to incorporate a rigorous, consistent, and comprehensive oral care program to address the evident risk of microbe exposure in the oral cavity.

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Implementation of an Oral Care Program in Home Care Nursing.

An Oral Care Program (OCP) was implemented in home care nursing teams in a northern province of the Netherlands to improve the oral health and hygiene of older people who make use of formal home care in 2018-2019. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the experiences of the stakeholders involved (older people, home-care nurses and dental hygienists) and to report the experienced impact of OCP, with a qualitative approach. Three dental hygienists, nine home care nurses, and eight older people were interviewed with semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The codes derived were grouped into nine main themes. OCP was experienced as mostly positive by all stakeholders involved. The educational part lead to more awareness towards oral care, but should be repeated regularly. Personalized oral care plans for older people were experienced positively, however, obtaining oral care behavior changes appeared to be difficult. Collaboration between dental hygienists and home care nurses lead to a positive experience from both sides The method and intensity of collaboration varied between the teams. To provide better access to oral health care for older people in the community, a long term collaboration between home care nursing teams and dental care professionals in their working area should be established.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVENTION MEASURES EFFECTIVENESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARIOUS DENTAL LESIONS IN MILITARY PERSONNEL OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Introduction. The prevalence and severity of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity are directly dependent on the level of dental care. The specific living conditions and combat activities of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, associated with the characteristics of the military profession, influence the course of pathological processes of the dentofacial apparatus and require appropriate methods of prevention and treatment. The purpose of the research: to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to prevent the development of dental caries in military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Materials and methods. To conduct the study, 348 military personnel of the Ternopil zonal department of the Military Law Enforcement Service (TZDMLES) were examined; they underwent a clinical examination in order to identify carious dental damage. The intensity of caries was determined according to the CFE index, and the acid resistance of enamel was studied using the TER test. After the initial examination, military personnel of all ages underwent complete sanitation of the oral cavity. According to indications, fissures were also opened and sealed. When enamel resistance was found to be decreased and initial forms of caries were present, patients underwent deep fluoridation of enamel and dentin. In order to optimize primary prevention measures for the development of major dental diseases for military personnel, we have developed an oral care program for the period of stay in the combat zone. Results. When studying the prevalence of the carious process during the initial examination among military personnel of the TZDMLES, it was found that the prevalence of the carious process in this category of people was high: from 83.08% in the age group of 20 to 25 years to 100% in the age groups of 36 to 40 and 41 to 45 years. Indicators of the intensity of the carious process tend to increase among men and women in all age groups. After 12 months of observation, a decrease in the increase in the “C” index and a significant increase in the acid resistance of enamel was noted in all age groups examined. Conclusions. When planning measures for the primary prevention of the development of carious lesions, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the life of patients, which is especially reasonable for military personnel who are in the combat zone, and carry out preventive measures together with therapeutic ones in order to reduce the risk of developing major dental diseases and increase their combat effectiveness.

Systematic review on dental caries preventive and managing strategies among type 2 diabetic patients.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate current evidence to prevent and manage dental caries in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study Design (PICOS) strategy was used to formulate a structured search: systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs without any date limit and/or language restrictions. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments in the included studies. Data homogeneity was assessed according to interventions for treating dental caries in T2DM. Statistical analyses were performed with JMP®. Two studies out of 909 were included in the systematic review. Only quantitative studies involving topical applications for management of dental caries in patients with T2DM were included. One study assessed the effect of intensive oral hygiene care program including toothbrushing and interdental cleaning using interproximal brushes and/or dental floss and supragingival debridement by dental hygienist with educational brochures in T2DM, while another investigated the immunologically active salivary substitutes with using Oral Hygiene Instructions (OHI), mouthwash, and moisturizing gel for 6 months. Intensive oral hygiene care program or immunologically active salivary substitutes with using OHI, mouthwash, and moisturizing gel for 6 months were reported to reverse/arrest dental caries in patients with T2DM. The current randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrated that regular extensive oral health education using interdental cleaning aids, mouthwash, moistening gel, and saliva substitutes including lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, glucose oxidase, and lactoferrin could control oral inflammation and contribute to the management of dental caries in patients with T2DM. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020197507, identifier: CRD42020197507.

The Effect of Structured Education Training Program on Oral Health Awareness Among School-Going Children of Central India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundIn order to curb the ever-increasing load of diseases related to the oral cavity, there is a call for generating organized school-based oral health education and training programs. It is proposed that there will be an emphasis on the primary care of oral health of school-going children proven, which is often neglected. This will be beneficial for the early detection, intervention and thus prevention of further debilitating conditions of the pathologies pertaining to the oral cavity with the assistance of the structured program suggested in this article.AimThe aim of the study was the evaluation of oral health programs for oral health awareness and knowledge among school-going children in the Central India region.Settings and designThis is a cross-sectional study with measurements before and after the implementation of the oral care program. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study, approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, has been done according to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology) checklist. A study based on certain questions was carried out amongst the school-going children of Central India, especially the Vidarbha region. A total of 250 school-going children were enrolled in the study. A survey based on a questionnaire was carried out among the study participants in the age group of 12-16 years of age, which consisted of questions pertaining to knowledge of oral health and hygiene maintenance. The program consisted of presentation slides, role-plays, and demonstrations for inculcating the knowledge.ResultA total of 200 study participants responded to the questionnaire. Overall, the baseline mean score of knowledge with scale was 2.80 ± 1.73 SD, which after the intervention was observed to be 10.70 ± 0.54 SD, which showed an increase. There was an aptly 60.4% increase in test scores related to oral health after the specific oral health inculcation program based on questionnaire execution which was statistically significant (p<0.001).ConclusionA properly constructed school children-based oral health education and training program induces better results in the oral health-related comprehension of students.

Evaluation of an Oral Care Program to Improve the Oral Health of Home-Dwelling Older People.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of an Oral Care Program on home care nurses’ attitudes and knowledge about oral health (care) and the impact on older people’s oral health. A pre–post study, without a control group, was conducted. A preventive Oral Care Program (OCP) was designed, focusing on home care nurses and older people, in collaboration with dental hygienists. Implementation was measured with questionnaires at baseline and after 6 months for home care nurses; for older people, implementation was measured at baseline and after 3 months with the Oral Health Assessment Tool and a questionnaire about oral (self) care between January 2018 and September 2019. Although the study design has limitations, the oral health of older people improved significantly after 3 months and the OCP was most beneficial for people with full dentures. The OCP improved knowledge and attitude of home care nurses. The program fitted well with the daily work routines of home care nurses. Individual-centered care plans for older people, education of home care nurses and the expertise of the dental hygienists have added value in home care nursing. Future implementations should focus on older people with natural teeth.

Oral health status of intellectually disabled individuals attending a special school in Vashi, Navi Mumbai

To determine the oral health status along with child’s access, provider’s attitude and parental knowledge towards oral care and barriers to dental care of Intellectually disabled children. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the oral health status along with child’s access, provider’s attitude and parental knowledge towards oral health care and barriers to dental care of Intellectually disabled individuals attending a school in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Settings and Design:: The cross sectional study was conducted among individuals attending a center for differently abled in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Methods and Material:To determine the oral health status along with child’s access, provider’s attitude and parental knowledge towards oral care and barriers to dental care of Intellectually disabled children attending a school in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Results:Lack of importance of oral health (78.9%),. finding an understanding dentist (5.2%), lack of dental care (84.4%),uncooperative child (8.2%), transportation (15.6% ) were the major barriers ,inability of the child to express dental problems and lack of oral health care of primary dentition were other barriers Conclusions: There is a need for strengthening oral care programs for the Intellectually disabled children.

Oral Health of Elderly People in Institutionalized Care and Three-Month Rehabilitation Programme in Southern Poland: A Case-Control Study

Demographic ageing is a global growing process and the quality of ageing is an important parameter in this process. The aim of the study was to analyse the distribution of remaining dentition in relation to oral hygiene indicators among elderly people remaining in institutional care and those who participated in a 3-month rehabilitation program, aimed at increasing time of independent functioning, in southern Poland. The patients underwent a questionnaire and clinical examination. An analysis of missing teeth was performed, plaque index, and gingival index were measured. Residents of the Municipal Health Centre for Older and Dependent People (n = 50) had a higher incidence of missing teeth in the maxilla (88.4%), mandible (77.6%), as well as in the maxilla and mandible combined (83%) than residents of the Daily Medical Care House (n = 30). The distribution of the remaining teeth, in both groups, corresponds to the outlets of the large salivary glands. The group of 53.8% of patients with dry mouth had PI scored 3. Residents with dry mouth were more likely to have plaque deposits and gingival inflammation. It is necessary to develop and implement an oral care program for patients with reduced saliva secretion, with a particular focus on dependents.