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Factors associated with root caries incidence in an elderly population
Naoko Takano1, Yuichi Ando, Akihiro Yoshihara
1Division of Preventive Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Japan. snaoko@dent.niigata-u.ac.jp
Community Dental Health
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Oral health status and low Body Mass Index (BMI) are key predictors for future root caries in older adults. Maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy weight can help prevent cavities in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Root caries is a significant oral health concern in the elderly population.
- Identifying predictive factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify baseline factors associated with the future development of root caries in an elderly population.
- To determine robust risk predictors for root caries incidence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 600 non-institutionalized adults aged 70 in Niigata, Japan.
- Oral health and general health status were examined at baseline and at one and two years.
- Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk predictors for varying numbers of root caries events.
Main Results:
- 35.9% of subjects developed at least one new root caries lesion over two years.
- Robust predictors included existing root surface caries and high salivary bacterial counts (LB).
- Other predictors included prosthetic crowns, lack of interdental cleaning, and low Body Mass Index (BMI < 20).
Conclusions:
- Oral health status, particularly existing root caries, is a strong predictor of future root caries.
- Poor general health, indicated by a low BMI, may also contribute to root caries development in the elderly.
- Findings highlight the importance of comprehensive oral and general health assessments for caries prevention in older adults.