The effect of dental profile on daily functions of the elderly.

The aim of the study was to evaluate statistically dentition and its effect on daily functions for a group of elderly volunteers. The study was conducted on 144 elderly people (86 males, 58 females) living in different nursing homes in Ankara, Turkey. Their ages varied between 60 and 100 years. Data assessed as dentition variables were number of teeth remaining and prosthesis use. Nearly 55% of the residents were edentulous and removable prosthesis users. The mean number of remaining teeth in subjects aged 60-69 was highest for all age groups in both sexes. The level of education and dental insurance of these subjects were also correlated with the dentition of elderly subjects. We found a statistically significant increase in the number of removable prosthesis users among educated and insured subjects. Functional capacity was better when the subjects had more remaining teeth or a removable prostheses. It is revealed by this study that healthy and good dentition prevents the decline of daily function and improves the social interaction and general well being of the elderly.