IADR Abstract Archives
Periodontal Status of Geriatric Patients from the Republic of Moldova
Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 40% of the adult population over 30 years of age, and close to 70% of adults aged 65 years or older. Periodontal disease can deteriorate the individual’s systemic health and quality of life. Therefore, it is included in the WHO strategies for non-communicable-disease prevention with the elderly listed as an important target group. The incidence of periodontitis in senior patients of the Republic of Moldova is not well documented. This study aims to assess the periodontal treatment need among elderly patients attending the dental clinic at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy ”Nicolae Testemitanu” in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Methods: The periodontal status of 41 patients (15 males, 26 females) 65 years or older was assessed using the Community periodontal index of treatment needs that records the presence of periodontal pockets, calculus and gingival bleeding around 10 specific teeth. Relevant aspects of lifestyle and systemic health were examined through a dichotomic survey.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 73.60 years. None of the participants were smokers. However, 6 females (14.63%) and one male (2.44%) suffered diabetes. The mean CPITN index score for the sample was 2.66 with a mode of 3 observed in 31 (75.61%) patients, indicating the presence of periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm and urgent need for periodontal treatment. Five of the female diabetic patients scored “3”, whilst one female and one male diabetic patient scored “1”.
Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated poor oral health among senior patients in the Republic of Moldova that can lead to mastication difficulties, chronic disease destabilization, and decline in quality of life. Surveillance and improvement of the oral health of the elderly should be a key objective of the multidisciplinary team responsible for their care. Further studies in larger geriatric populations are necessary.
Methods: The periodontal status of 41 patients (15 males, 26 females) 65 years or older was assessed using the Community periodontal index of treatment needs that records the presence of periodontal pockets, calculus and gingival bleeding around 10 specific teeth. Relevant aspects of lifestyle and systemic health were examined through a dichotomic survey.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 73.60 years. None of the participants were smokers. However, 6 females (14.63%) and one male (2.44%) suffered diabetes. The mean CPITN index score for the sample was 2.66 with a mode of 3 observed in 31 (75.61%) patients, indicating the presence of periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm and urgent need for periodontal treatment. Five of the female diabetic patients scored “3”, whilst one female and one male diabetic patient scored “1”.
Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated poor oral health among senior patients in the Republic of Moldova that can lead to mastication difficulties, chronic disease destabilization, and decline in quality of life. Surveillance and improvement of the oral health of the elderly should be a key objective of the multidisciplinary team responsible for their care. Further studies in larger geriatric populations are necessary.