Past and present geographic location as oral health markers among older adults

This study evaluated the association between oral health status of community-dwelling elderly adults visiting day health centers in Israel and geographic living location.

Oral status was assessed through clinical examination, with additional data obtained using a questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, dental utilization, and perceived oral health needs.

A representative sample of 338 subjects was examined. Fifty-four percent of the sample was edentulous. Higher rates of edentulism were found among subjects living in urban areas compared to subjects living in rural areas (P<.01). More edentate subjects were found among European immigrants than among immigrants from North Africa or subjects born in Israel (P<.01). Among dentate subjects, the mean number of remaining teeth was 10.4. The mean periodontal loss of attachment was 5.8 mm. Less than 10 percent had mean attachment loss <4 mm. Among subjects living in rural areas, mean attachment loss was higher than among those living in urban areas (P=.05). The mean DF score was 1.9. Forty-seven percent had at least one tooth with untreated caries. Subjects living in urban areas tended to utilize dental services more than subjects living in rural areas (P<.01).

Results indicate that present (urban or rural) and past (country of origin) geographic location represented a significant oral health risk marker. The implementation of a comprehensive program for this target population was clearly indicated.