The orodental status of a group of elderly in-patients: a preliminary assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a preliminary assessment of the orodental status and dental treatment requirements of a group of elderly in-patients.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
Acute Care of the Elderly and Stroke Rehabilitation units at teaching hospitals in Merseyside.


METHODS
150 patients aged 58 to 94 years, in which a history could be validated at interview.


METHODS
Questionnaire administered by dentist and clinical examination.


METHODS
Registration with a dentist, prosthetic status and difficulties with dentures, denture hygiene and identification marking, dental treatment needs and evidence of mucosal pathology.


RESULTS
Only 27% of patients claimed registration with a dentist. Three quarters of the patients were edentulous and 66 patients wore full dentures; 18 had no prostheses. Difficulties were experienced by one quarter of patients with upper dentures, compared with a half of lower denture wearers. Of the dentures available for inspection, 61% had removable soft debris, 66% were left out at night and 75% were cleaned by the patient, whilst on the ward. No dentures had evidence of identification marking. Of the 39 partially dentate patients, 75% required interventive dental treatment. Denture stomatitis was diagnosed in 29% of patients and 19 had evidence of benign mucosal pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
The orodental status of this group of elderly in-patients was poor, with a high proportion being edentulous. Few were registered with a dentist and denture hygiene was inadequate. Lack of identification marking is a matter of concern. Closer liaison between hospital staff responsible for elderly in-patients is required, to improve the orodental health and quality of life of this medically compromised group of patients.
McNally
L
L
Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
Gosney
M A
MA
Doherty
U
U
Field
E A
EA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003753:Dental Health Surveys; D003778:Dentures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation