title: Periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral hygiene among older Americans.
abstract: Recent research has suggested that susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease may not be as universal as was previously thought. This report analyzes data from a representative national sample of 11 338 American adults aged 25-74, examined in a national survey in 1971-74. Results showed that 46.1% of those aged 65-74 were edentulous, but half of the dentate persons in that age group were diagnosed as free of destructive periodontal disease. Periodontal (PI) and oral hygiene (OHI-S) index scores in this group were significantly better in those persons who had lost fewest teeth. When persons aged 65-74 who retained 25 or more teeth were compared with younger adults who also had 25 or more teeth, OHI-S and CI scores were similar. It is hypothesized that maintenance of oral hygiene levels corresponding to OHI-S scores of 0.3-0.6, and calculus levels corresponding to CI scores of 0.1-0.2, is sufficient to maintain a dentition free of periodontal disease throughout life. Slightly higher OHI-S levels (0.7-1.3) and CI levels (0.3-0.6) might be compatible with acceptably low levels of periodontal disease.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003773:Dental Plaque; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States