Oral Status of Inhabitants in Nursing Homes of Saarland

Objectives: Inhabitants of nursing homes in Saarland (average age: 81.2) were interviewed and examined with regard to their dentures and need for treatment as well as their oral hygiene. Methods: 170 inhabitants with denture(s) and/or natural teeth were interviewed about dental attendance and current dental problems. A clinical examination assessed levels of oral and denture hygiene, gingivitis, root caries and dental treatment need. RESULTS: Most of the subjects (80.1%) had removable dentures, 48.8% were edentulous, Over 70% had not seen a dentist for the last year. Only about one third of the senior citizens reported problems with their natural teeth (13%) or dentures (23.8%), although the caries morbidity among the dentulous was high (87.6%) and about half of the dentures (50.1%) were rated as unsufficient. Gingivitis was moderately severe in most of the participants . Denture-related stomatitis affected 27%. Unhygienic dentures were worn by 64.1% of the subjects, dental hygiene was bad in 63.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Most residents required help with oral health care but many did not receive it. Altogether there is a great need for dental prosthetic treatment in the subjects of this study. In general a regular dental screening two times a year is recommended. This basic aim of prophylaxis seems still to be in far future for people living in nursing homes.