文摘
With aging of the populations, the oral health and hygiene of elderly people has become an important public health issue. In this cross-sectional study we investigated the prevalence of tooth decay and other periodontal diseases in a representative cohort of 480 non-institutionalized adults ≥65 years from the province of Valencia, Spain. Using a World Health Organization standard for an adult oral survey methodology, we obtained data on remnant teeth with the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPTIN), attachment loss, and temporo-mandibular articulation (TMA) status. The prevalence of these conditions were compared by age and gender, using the Chi-square, and Student's t-, and ANOVA statistical tests. The mean number of remaining teeth were 17.1 in the total sample, which was higher for women (17.9 versus 15.7 in men; p = 0.04). This mean number decreased as age increased (p < 0.05). The overall DMFT index was 19 % , showing a persistent increase with age from 14 % (65–69-year) to 23 % (≥80-year) (p = 0.118). Only 6 % of participants had no periodontal pathology, while 26 % had bleeding gums and 57 % had calculus, while attachment loss was observed in 31 % . TMA malfunction with a click was present in 6 % , was painful in 5 % , and was associated with reduced mouth-opening in 2 % . The prevalence of oral health pathologies was high among these elderly people, who would benefit from optimal oral health care.