Oral health and treatment need among older individuals living in nursing homes in Skaraborg, Västra Götaland, Sweden.

The aim of this study was to describe the oral health among residents living in seven nursing homes in Skaraborg,Västra Götaland, Sweden. The study was cross-sectional and included two parts; a clinical examination and a patient questionnaire. To be included in the study, each subject should be able to understand and answer simple questions about their general and oral health, and also be able to participate in a clinical examination. In all, 172 individuals were included in the study sample. Edentulousness was prevalent, and more than 50% of the subjects were edentulous in the maxilla. Poor denture stability and retention were observed among the majority of the edentulous subjects, while fractured/decayed teeth and remaining roots were common among the dentate subjects. 47% had oral mucosal lesions. Mucosa friction index was high, and good oral hygie ne was registered for 12% of the dentate subjects. The majority of the patients with remaining teeth brushed their teeth twice a day, while those wearing dentures brushed more seldom. The majority of the respondents claimed, they had not received help from the program included in the Swedish National Dental Insurance System, introduced in 1999. The intention with the program was to promote good oral health among individuals, who due to medical--or social conditions, were not able to attend the regular oral health care system.