Oral and Systemic Conditions in Elderly Population Groups in Talash, North of Iran

Introduction: This survey was undertaken to assess self-reported oral health behaviour, oral and systemic conditions among functionally independent population in Talash, North of Iran. The question is whether there are any relationships between these variables. Materials and Methods: A total of 203 elderly subjects enrolled in this study 125 (61.5%) were males and 78 (38.4%) were females. All subjects were interviewed, dentally and orally examined. Demographics data,medical back-ground, oral hygiene practices and oral condi-tions were noted. Results: from total, 78.8% were edentulous and 86.7% had different oral conditions. The mean number of retained teeth was 7.34± 4. The most common oral conditions were dry mouth (41.9%), fissure tongue (30.5%), burning mouth (28.6%) and denture induced stomatitis (28.1%) respectively. Oral conditions were more prevalent in females than in males (Odds Ratio: 2.42, 95%CI0.93-6.28). Diabetes (OR: 6.22, 95%CI 0.816- 47.49) and hypertension (OR: 2.59, 95%CI 0.834-8.07) impact and deteriorate oral lesions. Life without systemic diseases giving rise to maintain more teeth (OR: 3.43, 95%CI 1.71-6.89). Oral diseases were more prevalent in uneducated people (OR: 2.67, 95%CI 0.948-7.5). Reported oral hygiene behaviour showed a significant relationship with oral lesions (OR: 5.25, CI95%: 1.82 -15.0, p<0.004). Conclusion: according to highly prevalence of oral diseases routine oral examinations should be advised