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 in-dependent population in Talash, North of Iran. The question is whether there are any relation-ships 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 preva-lent 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