Dental Status of Brazilian Elderly at a Public Service

Objectives: Identify the restorative and dental status of elderly patients at a public service in São Paulo-Brazil.
Methods: Patients (60 years or older) who attended the dental service of CRI-Norte, in São Paulo, Brazil were evaluated. They were submitted to an initial interview which consists in: personal data, dental history and hygiene habits. Dentate patients were submitted to a clinical examination to evaluate the status of the remaining teeth and conditions of restorations. For comparison ANOVA and Chi-square tests (p <0.05) were used.
Results: 177 edentulous and 148 dentate patients were evaluated (66% female and 34% male). 49.8% have 60-69 years and 65% were born in Southeastern Brazil. 73% didn’t visit a dentist during childhood and 72% didn’t realize regular visits in adult life. Attended the dental office regularly 20% dentate and 8% edentulous. 80% of dentate brush their teeth 1-2x per day and 64% don’t use dental floss. 32% of patients have 5-19 teeth and 6.5% have over 20 teeth. 41% were anterior mandibular teeth. The number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 26, with prevalence of missing component (mean =21); 14,6% had caries (37% radicular). 33% of teeth presented restorations (40% unsatisfactory). 41% of amalgam restorations were satisfactory with statistical difference from composite resin (13%). Pre molars were the most radicular restored teeth (48%) with statistical difference between other teeth. 40% of patients presented non-carious lesions; 73% presented incisal/occlusal wear (98% anterior teeth).
Conclusions: The number of edentulous patients is relevant. Few patients have more than 20 teeth, and many restorations are not satisfactory. Amalgam is the material that presented the best condition. Greater attention should be given to the dental treatments performed and their conservation in the elderly population, increasing their quality of oral health.