Cogitare Enfermagem (Sep 2013)
EVALUATION OF CAVITIES AND ORAL HYGIENE IN ELDERLY FEMALE RESIDENTS IN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY
Abstract
Quantitative descriptive research, aiming to evaluate cavities and oral hygiene among elderly residents in a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly, in the municipality of Ponta Grossa in the state of Paraná, in 2011. The results indicate predominance of: age range between 71-75 years old (n=13; 33%), single (n=29;72%) and illiterate (n=31;77%). Regarding the evaluation, 55% of the elderly use dentures, 75% have few teeth, and of these, 60% have periodontitis; referent to oral hygiene, 73% have bad conditions. It is concluded that in spite of technological advances, studies referring to the oral problems among the elderly are few, making it necessary to elaborate preventive, educational programs so that adults and the elderly may plan their old age with more satisfactory oral health conditions.
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