| Research Abstract |
The purpose of this research was to support elderly generation through data collection, processing and its interpretation on oral health at community-basis. To realize the goal, scientific evidences are essential. We carried out survey on elderly cohort (600 persons aged 70 and 163 aged 80) once a year for 4 years. Four dentists carried out oral examinations under sufficient illumination using artificial light. An personal interview was performed to obtain the bulk of information regarding several predictor variables including gender, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, utilization of dental services including pattern of visits, treatment needs and recent visit in a year and dental self-care behaviors. In order to monitor the general health condition, blood pressure levels were recorded and serum levels of disease markers were also investigated. These diseaise markers were liver agents (GOT, GPT and Gamma-GTP), kidney agent (Creatinine), immunoglobulins (IgGs, IgA and IgM), lipo facto
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rs (Total-Cholesterol and Triglyceride) and nutritional factors (Total-Protein, Calcium. Blood-Sugar and Albumin). Results were 1) Persons with less teeth and with poor or no dentures tended to be at higher relative risk for worsening physical and mental health status. Risk of death was 3.2 times higher for persons with poor dental conditions. 2) Oral status was a good risk predictor, and poor general health indicated by low BMI may also contribute to root caries occurrence. 3) Significant associations were found between additional attachment loss and smoking, and AL of 6+ mm at the baseline, with odds ratios of 3.75 and 2.29, respectively. Smoking habit and baseline AL of 6+ mm may be considered as risk factors for further attachment loss. 4) From the x-ray measurement, 37% of remaining teeth was pulpless teeth. Of these, 36% were teeth with apical lesion and average alveolar bone loss was 30%. 5) General health status contributes to tooth loss, in addition to oral status such as root caries, severer periodontal condition. 6) Low intake of vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C, E and carotenoids, that are antioxidants, to prevent cardiovascular disease and gastro-intestinal disease. Lower chewing ability might be a risk factor for these diseases. 7) Dental occlusal condition is associated with lower extremity dynamic strength, agility, and balance function in the elderly. In conclusion, a preventive program for old generation is decided to be settled on the oral factors which influences the toothloss. Less
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