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Relationship between oral hygiene practices and oral status in dentate elderly people living in residential homes
Author(s) -
Simons D.,
Brailsford S.,
Kidd E. A. M.,
Beighton D.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0528.2001.290608.x
Subject(s) - medicine , oral hygiene , dentistry , saliva , hygiene , oral health , root caries , elderly people , population , environmental health , gerontology , pathology
– Objectives : To investigate the relationship between the oral hygiene practices of dentate elderly people living in residential homes, their requests for assistance and their oral health status. Methods : 164 people (81.2±7.4 years) participated in an interview and oral examination, and provided a stimulated saliva sample. Results : The mean number of coronal decayed surfaces (CDS) was 2.4±5.9, stimulated salivary levels (log 10 cfu/ml) of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were 1.6±2.1, 3.0±2.2, 2.1±1.7, respectively, and 53% had root decayed surfaces (RDS). Plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) Indices were 2.3±0.7 and 1.6±0.4 and denture debris scores (DDS) were high. 31% of the population cleaned their mouths twice daily without requesting help and they had significantly fewer yeasts, RDS, restorations on root surfaces, lower PI, GI ( P< 0.005) and DDS ( P< 0.0001) than the 69% who cleaned less often. 50% of those who cleaned less frequently requested assistance with oral hygiene but only 5% said that their carers supported them. Those residents who requested help had significantly higher levels of yeasts, lactobacilli ( P< 0.001), retained roots, DDS, RDS ( P< 0.005), PI and GI ( P< 0.0001). Conclusion : The elderly residents’ perceived need for assistance with oral hygiene was related directly to oral hygiene status and to clinical indicators of mucosal and dental diseases.