Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the practice of oral hygiene behaviors and oral health status of long-term care facility residents and to analyze the factors related to salivary hemoglobin level which can predict active periodontal disease. Methods: From 30th October 2015 to 7th January 2016, a questionnaire was provided to 63 participants and their dental plaque and saliva samples were collected to assess the levels of salivary hemoglobin and dental plaque acidogenicity. In order to analyze the factors related to salivary hemoglobin level, multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Toothbrushing was most frequently performed by the participants themselves (98.4%) and toothbrushing was performed after eating breakfast (81.3%). 68.8% of participants reported brushing their tongue. 35.9% of participants perceived having bad teeth, and 87.5% had high dental caries activity. The percentages of participants with hyposalivation and ≥ 0.20 μg/ml salivary hemoglobin level were 45.3% and 59.4%, respectively. The salivary hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the group in which stimulated salivary flow rate was ≤ 0.70 ml/min, dental plaque acidogenicity was superior, and perceived having bad teeth (p<0.05). There was also a tendency for the salivary hemoglobin level to increase with age (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oral health status of the long-term care facility residents was still not improved, and the characteristics of salivary volume and dental plaque were important factors affecting salivary hemoglobin level. Therefore, it is necessary to operate an oral hygiene intervention program by oral health professionals in such facilities in order to provide residents with effective oral care aligned with their respective needs. Furthermore, it is necessary for caregivers to complete mandatory oral health education to improve the oral hygiene status of the long-term care facility residents.
Figures & Tables
Table 1. General characteristics of the participants
