https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1410-9491
Abstract
Background
Several factors are associated with coronal and root caries in older persons. The purpose of this study was to determine the experience, prevalence, and risk indicators (socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and dental variables) of coronal and root caries in older persons residing in nursing homes in Mexico.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in 227 dentate participants with natural teeth. Convenience sample, where all dentate residents were invited to participate. The dependent variables were coronal caries and root caries, which were determined through an oral clinical examination. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors, location, type of center, surfaces free of dental biofilm and calculus, surfaces with recession, retainers in contact with surfaces with recession, xerostomia, smoking, and the previous use of dental services. The binary logistic regression model was used in the analysis.
Results
The mean age of the participants in this study was 77.7±8.8 years, and 69.2% were women. Moreover, 71.8% live in long-term care facilities, and 48.0% live in Mexico City. The prevalence of coronal and root caries was found to be 67.8% and 50.7%, respectively. Being male and living in Mexico City were risk indicators for coronal caries, and with a 1% increase in surfaces with no biofilm, the risk decreased by 2%. Being widowed, having government or no social security, denture retainers, and coronal caries were risk indicators for root caries, while the utilization of dental services indicated lower risk.
Conclusion
Several variables that differ in nature were found to be risk indicators for coronal and root caries. Coronal caries increases the risk of root caries. Prevention should be aimed at identifying persons at higher risk, and dental care should be improved for persons living in long-term care institutions.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (CIE/0810/03/2017).
Data Sharing Statement
Any data related (only individual deidentified participant data) to this study can be provided upon reasonable request to the corresponding author. Email: [email protected].
Acknowledgments
Sandra Tepox is a PhD student in Dental Sciences from the Master and Doctorate Program in Medical, Dental, and Health Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, holding a scholarship from the National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology, Mexico (CONAHCYT) CVU 481746.
Jesús Rocha is a Master student in Dental Sciences from the Master and Doctorate Program in Medical, Dental, and Health Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, holding a scholarship from the National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology, Mexico (CONAHCYT) CVU 925317.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Informed Consent Statement
Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in this study.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.