Association of periodontitis-related bacteria complex with socio-demographic and oral health condition among the elderly in a rural area

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the distribution and level of periodontopathic bacteria with the general characteristics and oral health condition of the elderly. Methods: A total of 335 elderly individuals aged 65 years or older who lived in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, were included in the study. Oral examination, investigation through a questionnaire, and collection of saliva were carried out. The collected saliva was analyzed for the distribution and levels of bacteria (red and orange complex bacteria) by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient with SAS statistical software version 9.4. Results: Among the general characteristics, there were significant differences in the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Parvimonas micra depending on sex, age, and dental visits (p<0.05). The number of remaining teeth and denture use were related to the distribution of periodontopathic bacteria, except T. denticola (p<0.05). Additionally, periodontitis was related to the distribution of P. gingivalis (p<0.05). As the number of remaining teeth increased, the copy number of red and orange complex bacteria also increased (p<0.05). Those individuals who did not use dentures and had periodontal disease had more periodontopathic bacteria (p<0.05). Conclusions: The distribution and copy number of periodontopathic bacteria in the elderly were more related to oral health condition than to general characteristics. In particular, the distribution and copy number of periodontopathic bacteria were higher in subjects with multiple remaining teeth, no dentures, and periodontal disease.

Figures & Tables