The Oral Health Status of Attendees and Residents in UAE Care Homes

Abstract

The oral health status of day stay attendees and residents in care homes in the UAE has not been previously investigated. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the oral health status of care home attendees and residents in the UAE. All care homes identified from the UAE Ministry of Health website were selected and all subjects attending or residing in care homes were included, forming a convenience sample. The WHO classification was used for medical conditions. Oral and dental status was recorded on the WHO Oral Health Assessment form for adults (2013) and other demographic details were recorded separately. The three examiners had training and calibration exercises prior to conducting the dental examinations. A mean inter-examiner Kappa of 0.6 was achieved. A total of 107 participants with a mean age of 67.5 years (sd 15.65years) were examined in 4 Emirates. Nineteen subjects had significant cognitive impairment and could not co-operate and only partial examination was possible. Males (n=57) had a mean age of 69.2yrs (sd 16.3) which was not significantly different to the mean age of females (65.5yrs, sd 14.8). Most of the participants (n=70) had an ASA classification of mild systemic disease whilst 25 were classified with severe systemic disease. Multiple medical problems were most common (n=28), followed by endocrine disease (n=26) and mental health problems (n=20). Circulatory disease was present in 9 subjects and stroke/nervous system problems in 6 participants. Periodontal problems were present in 58 (72%) of 81 dentate participants since 26 participants were edentate. Overall mean DMFT was 23.2 (sd 9.0) but mean DMFT in males was significantly greater (26.5) compared to females at 19.8 (p<0.001). Age had a weak positive correlation with DMFT, Spearman’s rho = +0.43 (p<0.001). Eighteen participants out of 88 (20.5%) complained of pain or soreness at the time of examination. The frequency of tooth brushing/cleaning the mouth was not correlated to participants’ mobility (being bed-bound). Linear regression analysis of DMFT (dependent variable) and age, education, and ASA as predictor variables resulted in significant predictive value for the variance of DMFT accounted for by age and education but not ASA. Oral health was generally poor with high caries experience. Pain and discomfort were present in a high number of participants. Dental care is a priority for this group.