Sunny A Okeigbemen1, Sonny O Jeboda, Alice A Umweni. 1. Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. ajimen240@yahoo.com
Abstract
AIM: This study was to assess the periodontal status of pensioners in Benin City and obtain baseline data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study involved 250 subjects selected by systematic random sampling from three clusters of general, university and teaching hospital pensioners examined using the Community Periodontal Index index in four locations within Benin City. RESULTS: The percentages of the dentate subjects with healthy gingiva, bleeding on probing, calculus, shallow pockets and deep pockets were 2.4, 5.2, 46.8, 38.8 and 6.8%, respectively. Only 2% needed no periodontal treatment; those requiring oral hygiene instructions, scaling and polishing and complex treatment were 52, 39 and 7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the periodontal status of the pensioners by gender, age or tooth brushing habits. CONCLUSION: The presence of calculus accounted for the most prevalent periodontal condition among the elderly pensioners followed by shallow periodontal pocketing apparently owing to poor dental attendance or lack of access to care. A comprehensive pensioner's oral health programme is recommended.
AIM: This study was to assess the periodontal status of pensioners in Benin City and obtain baseline data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study involved 250 subjects selected by systematic random sampling from three clusters of general, university and teaching hospital pensioners examined using the Community Periodontal Index index in four locations within Benin City. RESULTS: The percentages of the dentate subjects with healthy gingiva, bleeding on probing, calculus, shallow pockets and deep pockets were 2.4, 5.2, 46.8, 38.8 and 6.8%, respectively. Only 2% needed no periodontal treatment; those requiring oral hygiene instructions, scaling and polishing and complex treatment were 52, 39 and 7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the periodontal status of the pensioners by gender, age or tooth brushing habits. CONCLUSION: The presence of calculus accounted for the most prevalent periodontal condition among the elderly pensioners followed by shallow periodontal pocketing apparently owing to poor dental attendance or lack of access to care. A comprehensive pensioner's oral health programme is recommended.