Oral Hygiene Status among the Elderly in an Area with Limited Access to Dental Services in a Rural Kenyan Community

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the oral status of elderly individuals in the Mbita District, which has limited access to dental services. Participants: 131 subjects, aged over 65 years, in the central part of Mbita District. Method: We selected 150 elderly individuals living in the central part of Mbita using a Health and Demographic Surveillance System. A total of 131 participants were surveyed using interviews and oral examinations in the Luo language. Results: There were no significant differences in the ages between genders in the four areas surveyed in Mbita (75.58 ± 6.12 years among females, 75.74 ± 7.82 years among males). The total number of subjects by gender was 85 (64.9%) females, and 46 (35.1%) males, a significant difference (P<0.01). Regarding the number of remaining teeth, subjects (n=5) with good consciousness of their general health had 28.8 ± 3.63 teeth, subjects (n=62) with an average consciousness had 22.21 ± 7.62, and subjects (n=64) with a poor consciousness had 21.20 ± 7.08. The average number of caries was 2-4 teeth. The lower front teeth of 86.3% of subjects had been extracted due to a traditional custom. Regarding the number of carious teeth, there was no significant difference between subjects using a plastic tooth brush and those using a chewing stick. Conclusion: Elderly individuals with a good consciousness of general health had significantly more remaining teeth than those who were less conscious, resulting in a high activity of daily life. Instruction in proper brushing techniques is therefore the most important factor for subjects to ensure good oral health. Keywords: Oral status; Life habits; Elderly individuals; Rural Kenyan community