Conditions of oral health in elderly of rural areas

Abstract

The scarcity of epidemiological studies in the rural population may compromise information on oral health. For these, access to public services in general, schools, hospitals and health facilities can be difficult due to the distance of properties and precarious transport services. 7,14 These and other factors, such as the absence of water treatment systems, 6,15 sewage and garbage collection may also compromise the health of this population. A British study involving 876 elderly people over 65 years old was conducted to identify the relationship between social support, oral health status and behavior in relation to the maintenance of this. This study found a close relationship between them that influences the decision making between the demand for dental care and the type of treatment performed. 16