Oral Health Status of Elderly Turkish People-2004

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal conditions and practices in relation to oral health among elderly population in Turkey. METHODS: This study was carried out on 65–74 age groups as a part of a national study. Representative study sample was selected by using proportional stratified sampling method through Turkish Statistical Council. The sample was balanced by gender and elderly from rural area was one third of the total 1,545 persons. A structured questionnaire concerning socio-demographic factors, oral health behaviors and health insurance was implemented. Elderly people were examined by calibrated dental students at home visits according to WHO(1997)criteria, including coronal and root caries, dental treatment needs, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and attachment loss. RESULTS: Among subjects, 46.8% were illiterate and 20.2% had no health insurance. The majority of the subjects stated that they eat something between meals (67.6%). Of the subjects, 61.7% had a toothbrush and 40.5% of them brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Within the last year, 18.7% had seen a dentist, 98.3% only visited dentist whenever they have a complaint. Forty-eight percent of the samples were edentulous; 12.4% had more than 21 teeth. The mean DMFT was 25.8±8.5 and number of teeth was 7.0±9.1. The major reason for tooth extraction was caries (91.6%). Among total dentate subjects, 59.3% had coronal and 28.4 % had root caries, whereas in rural areas the prevalence of caries was higher. The need of prosthetic treatment was 20.3%. Among the dentate subjects, 54.5% had calculus and 11.0% had deep pockets. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, the oral health status of elderly people is poor and a comprehensive oral health strategy should be targeted to this group.