ABSTRACT
Introduction
Increase in life expectancy implies the need for more attention to the health of the elderly population, and oral health is not an exception. This study determined the frequency of major oral and dental health problems among institutionalized elderly adults in Qazvin, Iran.
Materials and Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 112 residents of geriatric nursing homes participated. History of systemic diseases and oral symptoms was asked and recorded; then, participants undertook a clinical intra- and extraoral examination. Examination consisted of oral mucosa, periodontal and dental assessment, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment.
Results
In total, 93 women and 19 men with an average age of 74.9 (±14.7) and 71.6 (±11.3) years respectively, were examined. A total of 73 patients were completely edentulous. Examination of the oral mucosa showed that 48 patients (42%) had changes in their oral mucosa. Pale mucosa and fissure tongue had the most frequency. However, denture stomatitis was the most prevalent disorder related to the denture. Xerostomia was the most frequent complaining symptom (67.8%) followed by dysphagia (53.7%) and dysgeusia (25.8%). A total of 26 patients (23.2%) had abnormal “clicking” sounds during TMJ assessment.
Decayed, missing, and filling teeth (DMF) index in 39 dentate patients revealed 89.7% had decayed teeth, 100% had missing, and 2.6% had filling teeth. Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) revealed more than half of the participants had deep or shallow pockets.
Conclusion
Oral and dental health of elderly people in this study was not acceptable. They should be persuaded that there are continual needs for oral health care. Oral examination should be performed as part of development programs for older adults.
How to cite this article
Mojabi KB, Azimi S, Khansari M. Major Oral and Dental Health Problems among Geriatric Residents of Nursing Homes in a defined Population in Iran. J Contemp Dent 2016;6(2):125-128.
Audition and vision changes among geriatric residents
