Changes in dental status over 10 years in 80-year-old people: a prospective cohort study

Abstract – Objectives: The aim of the present study was to follow‐up the condition of the teeth over a sufficiently long period. Methods: Dental examinations were a part of a multidisciplinary 10‐year cohort study on the elderly. These examinations were made in 1990 (n = 226), 1995 (n = 90) and 2000 (n = 65) for the entire population born in 1910 and living in Jyväskylä, Finland. The subjects were divided into two categories, dentate (one tooth or more) and edentulous. Results: The results showed that men had more intact teeth and lower DMF scores than women, but the differences diminished during the follow‐up period. The number of remaining and filled teeth of those women who took part in all three phases of the present study was higher than that of those who died during the follow‐up. In men the DMF scores showed the opposite trend. The most significant deterioration during the 10‐year follow‐up was found in the number of teeth and DMF scores in men and in the number of remaining and filled teeth in women. Conclusion: Among men, in particular, significant changes in oral health status could be seen even between 80 and 90 years of age. Hence, regardless of advanced age, a subject should be motivated by the oral health care team to seek regular dental treatment.