Periodontal Disease, Tooth Loss, and Oral Hygiene Among Older Americans

Recent research has suggested that susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease may not be as universal as was previously thought. This report analyzes data from a representative national sample of 11 338 American adults aged 25-74, examined in a national survey in 1971-74. Results showed that 46.1% of those aged 65-74 were edentulous, but half of the dentate persons in that age group were diagnosed as free of destructive periodontal disease. Periodontal (PI) and oral hygiene (OHI-S) index scores in this group were significantly better in those persons who had lost fewest teeth. When persons aged 65-74 who retained 25 or more teeth were compared with younger adults who also had 25 or more teeth, OHI-S and CI scores were similar. It is hypothesized that maintenance of oral hygiene levels corresponding to OHI-S scores of 0.3-0.6, and calculus levels corresponding to CI scores of 0.1-0.2, is sufficient to maintain a dentition free of periodontal disease throughout life. Slightly higher OHI-S levels (0.7-1.3) and CI levels (0.3-0.6) might be compatible with acceptably low levels of periodontal disease.