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Periodontal status in nursing homes residents in Split-Dalmatia county

Elderly people are the fastest growing age group, especially in developed countries. Poor oral health in elderly people is accompanied by a high proportion of missing teeth, dental cavities, periodontal disease, xerostomia, and the occurrence of oral pre-malignant lesions and cancers. Available evidence suggests that the prevalence of periodontal diseases increases proportionally with age. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases among nursing home residents in Split-Dalmatia County and to propose a program of public health measures. Oral health status was assessed for 114 individuals aged 54–96 years. Prior to the examination, the participants filled out the questionnaire regarding age, gender, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, habits and oral hygiene maintenance. Periodontal condition was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index and clinical attachment level. Statistical analysis of the CPI showed that, for all the sextants, the most numerous group of subjects was the one with excluded sextants. Following those, the most numerous were the sextants with visible deposits of dental calculus. Statistical analysis of the CAL through the sextants showed that the excluded group was the most frequent finding, followed by the group with CAL of 4–5 mm. Older persons often have poor oral health and frequently suffer from periodontal disease. We should encourage preventive examinations performed while the dentists need to put an effort to prevent the progression of periodontal disease and sustain the older people’s quality of life, especially in nursing home residents.