Oral Health Status at Age 60 and 72 Years: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: This study investigated oral health status in 60-year-old individuals over 12 years. 

Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). One hundred nineteen 60-year-old individuals (48% females) underwent a clinical and radiographic baseline examination (2001–2003) and follow-up examination in 2013–2015. For statistical analyses, paired t-tests and McNemar's test were performed. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. 

Results: At the 12-year follow-up, the mean number of teeth and the proportion of individuals having ≥ 20 teeth decreased (p < 0.001). The mean number of teeth with buccal/lingual and approximal caries lesions increased (p < 0.029 and p < 0.031). Individuals with a distance from the cement-enamel junction to the bone of ≥ 5 mm increased in total (p < 0.002) and in males (p < 0.006). The prevalence of gingivitis increased in total (p < 0.001). The prevalence of periodontitis showed a significant increase in total (p < 0.043) and in females (p < 0.039). 

Conclusion: The present study indicates that oral health status in 60-year-old individuals deteriorates over 12 years. However, the deteriorations were minor in terms of tooth loss, caries lesions, and changes in periodontal status.