Author:

• Eliane Helena Alvim de SouzaI - Souza,E.H.A. - Universidade Estadual de Pernambuco UPE/FOP - <e.ha.souza@hotmail.com>

Thematic Area:

Não Categorizado

Abstract:

Objective: To assess the influence of oral health in the daily routine of both institutionalized and non- institutionalized aged people living in the city of Recife-PE, as well as to come to conclusions concerning the relevance level of oral health in both groups.Methodology: In order to assess the perception of oral health, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used. The GOHAI levels, concerning the perception, were categorized in: low (<= 50), average (51 a 60) and high (57 a 60). The oral health conditions were represented by the DMFT index (with cavity, lost and repaired teeth). Results: It was observed that the percentage of elderly with a GOHAI not higher than 50 (low perception of oral health) was rather higher in the non-institutionalized group than in the institutionalized. (92,2% x 64,9%). The DMFT average and the number of lost teeth were respectively higher in the institutionalized group (96,01% x 87,87 %).Conclusions: The perception of oral health was lower for more than half of the examined elderly population, but there being a meaningful difference between the two groups concerning the GOHAI, with lower levels for the non-institutionalized group. The result of the perception of oral health was compatible with the high number of teeth with cavity and lost ones.
Key-words: Oral Health, Aged, Geriatric Dentistry

Content:

Access Issue in Scielo

Other languages: