Periodontal conditions of elders in northeastern brazil

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the periodontal conditions of elderly patients assisted in a SpecializedDentistry Center in Northeastern of Brazil. Methods: Quantitative and cross-sectionalstudy conducted with 152 elders. It was used a questionnaire to get information aboutsocio-demographic aspects (age, sex, gender, income, and education), general healthandperiodontal clinical examination based on the Communitarian Periodontal Index (CPI),an indicator recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), who enabled theevaluation of the periodontal condition. It was used Pearson’s Chi-square Distribution, orFisher’s Exact Test, with significance level tests 5%. Results: The elders age ranged from60 to 89 years, mean of 67.6 years (SD ± 6.13). The variables female 70 (53.9%), retiree95 (62.5%), low income 91 (59.0%), secondary school 60 (39.5%) predominated and 130(85.5%) elders used medicines. Most evidenced self-reported diseases: eye problems 123(80.9%), cardiovascular disorders 107 (70.4%), osteoporosis 77 (50.7%) and diabetes 54(35.5%). Dental calculus prevailed 128 (84.2%). Statistical significance was found betweenthe presence ofperiodontal pocket and age group 60-65 years (p= 0.027); dental calculusandbrushing teeth once a day (p=0.028); not use of dental floss and periodontal pocket from4 to 5mm (p=0.001); use of toothpick with periodontal pocket from 4 to 5mm (0.018) and of6mm or more (p=0.001); educational level and dental calculus (p=0.005). Conclusion: Theperiodontal health of this population is covered with precariousness, mainly due to dentalcalculus and periodontal pocket...