Background To analyze biochemical and microbiological parameters of the saliva of institutionalized elders and to investigate the relation of these parameters with edentulism, use of dentures and presence of biofilm. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study carried was out in seven long-term institutions. Samples (n=161) of unstimulated saliva were collected for analysis of salivary flow, quantification of total proteins and identification of microorganisms. Oral examination was carried out to verify the number of missing teeth, the use of dentures and the presence of visible biofilm on the surface of teeth and dentures. Associations were performed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test (α<0.05). Mann-Whitney Test was used to identify differences in the salivary flow and total proteins (α<0.05). Results There was no association between the type of edentulism and use of dentures with biochemical and microbiological parameters of saliva ( p >0.05). Associations were observed between the presence of dentures biofilm and the colonization of Streptococcus sp. ( p =0.038) and Candida sp. ( p =0.03). Conclusions The absence of teeth and use of dentures do not influence the amount of total proteins and the microorganisms count in saliva. Denture biofilms are associated with the presence of Streptococcus sp. and Candida sp. in saliva of institutionalized elders. Key words: Candida, long-stay institutions for elders, saliva, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus.
Background This study aimed to investigate the influence of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health related quality of life of institutionalized elders. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 193 institutionalized elders living in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa (Brazil). The independent variables included were: 1) caries experience (DMFT index and its components); 2) use and need of dental prostheses; and 3) type of edentulism. The dependent variables included were related to nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life. Data were submitted to a descriptive and comparative analysis, through correlation, association and difference tests, considering a significance level of 5% ( p <0.05). Results No statistical significant correlations or associations between the oral health status and nutritional status and quality of life were found ( p >0.05). Individuals who did not need prosthesis had higher scores for nutritional status. Self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life did not vary significantly according to the studied variables. Conclusions The oral health status has a limited impact on the nutritional status, and does not impact the self-perception of oral health and quality of life of the institutionalized elders. Key words: Nursing homes, oral health, quality of life.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.