Oral health status in 65-74 years old adults in France, 1995
Bourgeois, D.; Berger, P.; Hescot, P.; Leclercq, M.H.; Doury, J.
Revue d'Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique 47(1): 55-59
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0398-7620 PMID: 10214677 Document Number: 503147
Background: A study was carried out to assess the oral health status of the non-institutionalized population aged 65-74 years and living in the Rhone-Alpes region, France, in 1995. Methods: The representative sample was composed of 603 subjects comprised of 41.5% of men of which 24.5% lived in rural areas - i.e. less than 2,000 inhabitants - and 75.5% of urban areas. The quota sample used was stratified by socio-economic status, residence and gender. Oral health was defined by dentate status, D (Decayed), M (Missing), F (Filled) components and DMFT components. Carious lesions, fillings, missing teeth were recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. An indicator of treatment need - the ratio of decayed teeth over decayed and filled teeth - D/D+F was used. Results: The DMFT index at 65-74 years for the French population was 23.3 +- 4.0. The dental condition of the study group in the Rhones-Alpes region of France appears satisfactory considering the low percentage of untreated decayed teeth at 65-74 years old (17.4%) and the low rate of edentate people (16.3%). Gender, location and socio-economic variables in relation to the dental status were discussed. Conclusion: The relatively good oral health status of the senior citizens and the low rate of need for treatment of dental decay together with the level of oral care available provided a solid base for further development of a qualitative national dental care system.