Oral Health of Chinese Elderly People With and Without Dementia

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status and toothbrushing behaviour of Chinese elderly people with and without dementia.
Methods: Chinese adults aged 65 or above attending eight day-care centres in Hong Kong were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Information on the participant’s demographic background and toothbrushing practice was obtained through an interview using a questionnaire. Clinical examination, including a Basic Periodontal Examination, was performed to assess the participant’s oral hygiene, periodontal and tooth status. Information on the dementia status (yes/no) of the participants was obtained from their medical record. Case matching process using propensity score were conducted for matching the participants in dementia and non-dementia groups. Independent t-test and chi-square test were conducted in the data analysis.
Results: A total of 341 elderly people participated in this study. After case matching by gender and age, 129 dementia participants with dementia were matched with 99 participants with no dementia. No significant difference in the periodontal status of the two groups was observed. The mean DMFT scores of the dementia group and the non-dementia group were 22.5±7.9 and 19.2±9.3, respectively (p=0.041). The mean visible plaque index (VPI) scores of the dementia and non-dementia groups were 77% and 63%, respectively (p=0.027). A higher proportion of dementia participants encountered difficulties in toothbrushing than participants with no dementia (57% vs 8%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Compared with elderly with no dementia, Hong Kong Chinese elderly with dementia has more caries experience and poorer oral hygiene. They also have more difficulties in toothbrushing.