Purpose: To evaluate the oral health status of community-dwellers ≥ 45 years of age in the canton of Bern, Switzerland.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire (including sociodemographic factors, medical history, oral health behaviour) and a clinical examination comprising caries, periodontal disease, oral hygiene, and prosthetic rehabilitation. χ2/Fisher’s tests and Cochrane Armitage trend tests as well as a binary logistic regression were performed to assess the association between oral disease presence (i.e., periodontal disease [PSI (periodontal screening index) score 3-4] and/or active dental caries [ICDAS 4-6, root ICDAS 2]) and the independent variables.
Results: A total of 275 participants were included in the present study: 154 (56%) males and 121 (44%) females, with a mean age of 69.7 years (SD 11.6). The majority presented with good oral health behaviour; 221 (86%) brushed their teeth at least twice daily, 196 (79%) had regular dental visits. Nevertheless, 82 (32%) participants presented with an approximal plaque index of > 50%. The older age groups and participants with bleeding gums had higher odds of having active dental caries and/or periodontal disease (65-74 years – OR 2.88 [95% CI 1.33–6.25], ≥75 years – OR 2.60 [95% CI 1.17–5.78], bleeding gums OR 3.52 [95% CI 1.07–11.50]).
Conclusion: The present study shows an association between age, oral hygiene, and the presence of active caries and periodontal disease. The study highlights the importance of good oral hygiene maintenance, especially in older adults.