Assessment of oral health in older people referred to selected dentistry schools of universities of Tehran

One of the major changes in the elderly is loss of teeth، which can affect their dietary intake and nutrition status. This study aimed to determine oral health in older people referred to to selected dentistry schools of universities of Tehran. This descriptive was conducted in 2015 with 188 older people selected randomly from clinics'' dentistry schools in Tehran city. Sampling method was convenience sampling. Data was collected using demographic and density data and “General Oral Health Assessment Index” (GOHAI). Validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed in previous studies. Data was analyzed using SPSS/21. The mean of “GOHAI” score was 39. 36 ± 10. 72 (in the range of 18-60). The mean of “GOHAI” score in the physical function was the lowest in edentulous without denture wearing group (7. 09. ± 0. 86). The lowest “GOHAI” score in pain dimension was in dentate with partial denture wearing group (4. 43±0. 50). The lowest “GOHAI” score in psychosocial dimension was in edentulous without denture wearing (20. 59 ± 2. 19). There was a significant positive correlation between “GOHAI” and some factors such as education status، income، smoking، brushing، and dental situation. In the lowest “GOHAI” score belonged to the physical function in target group، which indicated that the greatest problem of older people is related to the chewing and biting of foods. The people who lost all of their tooth and used complete or partial removable dentures obtained lower “GOHAI” score. Under such circumstances، routine oral examination as part of health program in older people is recommended.