The Oral Health Status of Attendees and Residents in United Arab Emirates Care Homes

Objectives: This cross-sectional study assessed the oral health status of attendees and residents in United Arab Emirates (UAE) care homes.

Materials and methods: All care homes identified from the UAE Ministry of Health website were selected and all attendees or residents included. Medical conditions were classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Oral and dental status was recorded on the WHO Oral Health Assessment form for adults and demographic details were recorded separately. The three examiners had training and calibration exercises before conducting the dental examinations with an overall mean inter-examiner κ of 0.67.

Results: A total of 107 patients participated in the study with a mean age of 67.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 15.65 years). The mean age of men (n = 57) (69.2 years, SD = 16.3) was not significantly different to the mean age of women (65.5 years, SD = 14.8, P > 0.05). The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification of mild disease was present in 71 participants, whereas 27 were classified with severe systemic disease. Multiple medical problems were common (n = 28), followed by endocrine disease (n = 26) and mental health problems (n = 20). Gingivitis and/or periodontitis were present in 58 (72%) of 81 dentate participants (26 participants were edentate). Overall mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) was 23.2 (SD = 9.0) but mean DMFT in men was significantly greater (26.5) than women at 19.8 (P < 0.001). Age had a weak positive correlation with DMFT, Spearman's rho = +0.43 (P < 0.001). Eighteen participants of 88 (20.5%) complained of pain or soreness at the time of examination. The frequency of tooth brushing/cleaning the mouth was not correlated to participants' mobility (being bed-bound). Age and gender were predictive for DMFT but not education or ASA classification. Gender and ASA classification predicted periodontal status.

Conclusion: Oral health was generally poor with pain and discomfort present in a high number of care home residents/attendees. Carers require training in oral health as dental care is a priority for this group.