Data on oral health among the elderly in Norway is sparse. The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution of enamel-, dentin-, root- and secondary caries within an elderly population in Northern-Norway. A study population (n=1 173) was divided into four age groups: 65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and 80–94. Seven calibrated examiners registered presence, location and severity of caries lesions on x-rays and intra-oral photos. Severity of approximal and occlusal primary and secondary, as well as root caries was graded (D1-2: in enamel; D3- 5: into dentin, Sec1-2 og Sec3-5, Root D3-5). DMFS/DMFT were calculated. The seniors had more primary caries (DS1-5) compared to the oldest age groups, while the old elderly had significantly more secondary caries than the other groups (p<0.05). Among the oldest age population (80–94 yrs), 21 % were registered with root caries. About 48 % of the old elderly had one or more surfaces with untreated caries lesions into dentin, while for the other groups the number was 35 % (p<0.05).

Individuals seem to maintain good oral health up to at least 80 years of age. Those older than 80 years have more root caries needing more intensified caries-controlling measures and a higher prevalence of untreated dentin lesions often in need of operative treatment.

Reference:
Hvordan er kariessituasjonen hos eldre i Tromsø?
Mulic A, Oscarson N, Tveit AB.
Nor Tannlegeforen Tid. 2020; 130: 312–6