Dental health of Fiji institutionalized elderly (2003)

This study provided comprehensive information concerning oral health status and prevalence of oral diseases in institutionalized elderly home residents. The oral health survey included questionnaire and oral examination. Oral examination was carried out by a calibrated examiner. A structured interview on socio- economic status, oral health habits and a clinical evaluation of oral health status and treatment needs were recorded. 37.2 % of the 125 residents from the six nursing homes were medically compromised, functionally dependent, cognitively impaired and behaviourally difficult older adults to caregivers and to dental practitioners. 43% of the study population was edentulous. Dentate residents had a mean DMF of 23 with severe periodontal diseases and treatment need. Oral hygiene was generally poor among the residents and periodontal disease was found to be present in all the dentate subjects examined. The prevalence and experience of coronal and root caries, gingival recession and plaque accumulation was very high in dentate residents especially, those who smoke and those who were severely handicapped. These elderly residents had more retained roots, root caries, missing teeth, mobile teeth, grossly carious teeth and fewer filled teeth when compared with data for community dwelling elderly patients. This study highlighted the poor oral health status of these institutionalized elderly home residents and the great impact of dementia on their high levels of oral diseases.