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  • Title: Oral health in a population-based sample of the oldest-old: findings in twins 80 years and older in Sweden.
    Author: Thorstensson H, Johansson B.
    Journal: Swed Dent J; 2003; 27(2):49-57. PubMed ID: 12856393.
    Abstract:
    The aim of the study was to provide overall information on oral health markers and dental history in individuals aged 80 and older. The sample was drawn from the population-based Swedish Twin Registry and comprised monozygotic and same-sex dizygotic twins. The present analyses comprised a total of 357 individuals: 176 were edentulous and were interviewed by licensed nurses about their dental history, 181 were dentate and their dental records were reviewed. The dentate individuals had on average 13.9 teeth. Nearly a quarter (24%) had 20 or more natural teeth. Of the tooth surfaces, 9.3% were carious and 62.2% were filled or carious (DFS). Thirty-eight per cent of the individuals had fixed prostheses in the maxilla and 24% in the mandible. The fixed prostheses had on average 5 units. Twenty-two percent had removable partial dentures in the maxilla and 23% in the mandible. Fifty-one percent of the individuals had severe marginal bone loss. Periodontal treatment need was probably underdiagnosed since probing pocket depths were rarely recorded. Based on patient records from the last dental visit, the oral health of 30% was rated as bad while it was evaluated as good or satisfactory for 70%. Almost two-thirds (66%) of the dentate individuals made regular dental visits in the 1990s. The oral health of 134 individuals could be followed retrospectively up to 20 years. The oral health of 32%-41% of the patients was good or satisfactory and unchanged throughout the period while an appreciable deterioration was found in 17-21%. Interventions by a dental hygienist had been made only to a small extent. Advanced age in itself does not necessarily imply compromised oral health. The oral health of many individuals was stable and satisfactory for many years. Many remaining natural teeth and a great deal of prosthetic reconstructions indicate that among oldest-old individuals there is a significant potential for preserved oral health. In conjunction with the finding of extensive marginal bone loss this indicates, however, a need and demand for dental care as well as prophylactic support to maintain oral health despite age.
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