Risk factors of dental root caries among community-dwelling elders

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the risk factors for dental root caries among community-dwelling elders. Methods: Independent elders with self-care ability and at least five teeth with exposed root surfaces were examined in 31 elderly social centers in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. The clinical examinations were conducted by two trained and calibrated dentists. Intra-oral LED lights, disposable dental mirrors, graduated periodontal probes and CPI probes were used. Status of all exposed root surfaces was recorded. A two-level data set was built and multilevel logistic regression was used to adjust for the selected factors at both subject level and surface level on root caries status. Results: A total of 856 elders with a mean age of 69.6 years were examined. Their mean DS-root score and DFS-root score were 0.5 and 0.9, respectively. Results of the regression models showed that elders who lived in Hong Kong, had higher DMFT score and had poorer oral hygiene (more plaque/higher VPI score) had a higher chance to have root caries. Furthermore, root surfaces that had more gingival recession, were close to a denture, were on upper teeth and buccal/approximal side were more likely to have dental caries. Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene status, more gingival recession, and close proximity to a denture are risk factors associated with root caries. Root caries preventive approaches need to pay more attention to these factors.