Premium
Differences of oral health conditions between adults and older adults: A census in a S outhern B razilian city
Author(s) -
Boscato Noeli,
Schuch Helena S,
Grasel Claudia E,
Goettems Marilia L
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12588
Subject(s) - medicine , poisson regression , dentures , socioeconomic status , oral health , gerontology , social class , dentistry , cross sectional study , demography , population , environmental health , pathology , sociology , political science , law
Aim To assess differences in the oral diseases/conditions between adults and older adults. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out with all adults and older adults in L uzerna, S outh B razil ( n = 569). Clinical data included use of and need for dental prostheses; number of decayed, missing and filled teeth; and temporomandibular disorder. Differences between adults and older adults were evaluated using χ 2 ‐tests. Associations between independent variables and the use of and need for dental prostheses were determined using Poisson regression analyses ( P < 0.05). Results Increased number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, use of and need for dental prostheses, higher use of complete dentures, and fewer temporomandibular disorder signs and symptoms were observed in older adults. After adjustments, lower social class ( P = 0.001) and unmarried status ( P = 0.05) were associated with greater need for prosthetic rehabilitation. Women ( P = 0.02), older individuals ( P < 0.001) and those of lower socioeconomic status ( P = 0.001) had a higher risk of using prostheses. Conclusion A significant difference of oral conditions between adults and older adults was observed. The frequency of use of and need for dental prostheses was higher for older adults, although they had reported lower frequency of temporomandibular disorder. Women, married and individuals of higher socioeconomic status showed better oral health conditions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1014–1020.