Oral health patterns of independently living dentate older people: a cross-sectional survey of dental attendees in south-east London.
BACKGROUND
The oral health needs of older adults present increasing challenges to dental services.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the clinical oral health status of dentate older people living in the community and attending dental services.


METHODS
One hundred and eighty-six dentate adults, aged ≥60 years, underwent clinical examination (DMFS, Plaque and Gingival Indexes), salivary analysis and completed a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Participants had an average of 21.4 (±6.2) teeth present and 1.2 (±3.0) decayed, 51.0 (±28.8) missing and 32.6 (±20.5) restored surfaces. Individuals living in the most deprived areas had significantly lower numbers of teeth than those in the least deprived areas (19.1 ± 7.5 cf 23.8 ± 4.1; p < 0.001). Whilst there were no significant differences in DMFS score, residents in the most deprived areas had significantly more missing and fewer filled surfaces than those in the least deprived areas (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Participants with ≥21 teeth (64%) had lower plaque scores, fewer decayed root surfaces, higher stimulated saliva flow rates and lower salivary lactobacilli and yeast counts than those with <21 teeth (p < 0.05 for all).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings highlight differences in clinical oral health by age and deprivation status and underline the importance of saliva and retaining a functional dentition.
Unit of Oral Health Services Research and Dental Public Health, King's College London Dental Institute at Guy's, King's College and St Thomas's Hospitals, London, UK.
Mustafa
M
Al-Haboubi
Liana
L
Zoitopoulos
David
D
Beighton
Jennifer
J
Gallagher
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D058491:Bacterial Load; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D017213:Root Caries / Q000453:epidemiology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
dental care; dental caries; microorganisms; older people; oral function; plaque; saliva