Oral health status of residents of elderly homes

ABSTRACT

Maintenance of oral health is fundamental to prevent any oral and systemic diseases, to achieve the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being and to attain successful ageing, thereby significantly contributing to the better quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of residents of elderly homes in Alexandria. The subjects comprised 238 residents aged 60 years and above residing in all governmental elderly homes in Alexandria. Data was collected using three tools Structured interview sheet to collect data about personal characteristics of the elders, Kayser-Jones Brief Oral Health Status Examination to assess the oral health status of the elders, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index to assess the elders physical and psychosocial function accompanying oral health problems. The study revealed that the majority of the institutionalized elders had one or more oral health problems particularly tongue lesions, gingival lesions, and denture related lesions that need immediate referral to appropriate specialist. The poor oral health status is mostly the outcome of each of significant factors including age, sex, level of education, financial status, smoking, and follow-up pattern. Moreover, oral health problems have serious physical and psychological impact on the majority of the residents of elderly homes. Therefore, educational programs should be planned and offered on a regular basis for nurses and caregivers to conduct the oral screening at regular intervals for the institutionalized elders