EC Dental Science

Background: Periodontal health is often neglected in elders and this has become an important public health issue. The data regarding the burden of periodontal disease is mandatory for implementing an effective and specific periodontal health program in elders.

Objective: This study conducted to assess and compare the extent and severity of periodontal disease and salivary characteristics in 45 - 59yrs old and 60 - 85yrs old adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised of 400 elders grouped in to 45 - 59yrs (n = 200) and 60 - 85yrs (n = 200) old]. All subjects were assessed for periodontal parameters [oral hygiene index simplified, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and gingival recession], systemic parameters [fasting blood sugar and fasting lipid profile] and salivary characteristics [salivary pH and buffering capacity].

Results: Extent and severity of periodontitis were higher in 60 - 85yrs old group as compared to 45 - 59yrs old group. Mean clinical attachment loss and gingival recession were higher in 60 - 85yrs old group (4.57 ± 1.17 and 0.77 ± 0.94 respectively) as compared to the 45 - 59yrs old group, whereas the mean probing pocket depth was higher in the 45 - 59yrs old group (3.96 ± 0.80) as compared to the 60 - 85yrs group. Salivary pH and buffering capacity were significantly low in 60 - 85yrs old group. A statistically significant association found between FBS ≥ 100 and periodontitis [(p = 0.035) and (odds ratio 2.02)]. A weak negative correlation had been found between CAL and Salivary pH and CAL and Salivary buffering capacity among study subjects.

Conclusion: The extent and severity of the periodontal disease are higher in 60 - 85yrs old group as compared to the 45 - 59yrs old group. Salivary pH was more acidic and buffering capacity was low in 60 - 85yrs old group.

Keywords: Aging; Periodontitis; Clinical Attachment Loss; Salivary Ph; Salivary Buffering Capacity; Full Lipid Profile

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