Socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and clinical variables associated with root caries in a group of persons age 60 years and older in México

"Aim: To determine the prevalence of root caries and the root caries index in a populationof older Mexicans, and its relationship to socioeconomic, sociodemographic and dentalfactors.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 85 persons 60 years and older livingeither in long-term care facilities, or independently and attending an elder day-care group.Each subject underwent an oral examination, performed by a trained and standardizeddentist, to determine the root caries index and other clinical variables. Questionnaires wereadministered to collect socioeconomic, sociodemographic and hygiene data. Statisticalanalyses were performed using non-parametric tests.Results: The prevalence of root caries was 96.5%. The root caries index was37.7% 1 21.7%. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) of root caries index wereobserved across residential arrangements and marital statuses, and were higher in publiclyfunded long-term care and among single subjects (P < 0.05). Those who had poor hygienehad more root caries (P < 0.05); persons with a low level of schooling and who brushedtheir teeth less frequently also showed a difference (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of root caries was very high. The type of long-term care,marital status, schooling and oral hygiene were associated with a higher root caries index.Oral health programs and preventive caries interventions are needed for this age group ingeneral; targeted strategies may be better focused if sociodemographic profiles are used tocharacterize high need groups. "