[Self-perception and Oral Health Conditions in an Elderly Population]

This study assessed oral health conditions through clinical examination and self-perception. The sample consisted of 112 subjects 60 years of age or older in Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, divided into two groups: G1, with dental insurance (n = 55) and G2, without dental insurance (n = 57). Clinical examinations were conducted according to WHO guidelines. Data on self-perceived oral health were collected using the GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index). DMFT was 29.13, higher in G1 (p = 0.0091). Mean number of teeth currently present in both groups was 7.63, higher in G2 (p = 0.0131). Periodontal conditions showed a high percentage of null sextants (70.3%), where CPI revealed higher prevalence for calculus and PIP for pockets up to 3mm. The percentage of edentulous subjects was 45.5%, higher in G1 (p = 0.0142). Among edentulous subjects, 69.6% wore complete upper dentures and 42.9% complete lower dentures. Mean GOHAI was 33.61, qualifying self-perceived oral health status as positive, and the only difference was in the physical dimension, where G2 showed higher values (p = 0.0154). Self-perceived oral health was considered satisfactory, but this was not confirmed by clinical data from the two groups.