PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ROOT CARIES AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS AT E HOSPITAL IN 2025

Thị Phương Anh Nguyễn 1, Thị Ngọc Anh Trần 1,
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and clinical morphological characteristics of root caries among older adults attending the Department of Odonto-Stomatology at E Hospital in 2025.. Research methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 125 patients aged 60 years and older. Root caries was diagnosed based on criteria including lesion color, surface hardness, and lesion location. The severity of root caries was assessed using the Root Caries Index (RCI). Result: The prevalence of root caries among older adults was 39.2%. The number of affected teeth commonly ranged from one to four teeth. Lesions were predominantly observed in the posterior teeth, particularly on proximal surfaces, with distal surfaces accounting for 28% and mesial surfaces for 20% of cases. 74.3% of root caries lesions were recorded as inactive. The mean RCI value of the study population was 26.99%. Conclusion: The prevalence of root caries among older adults attending E Hospital in 2025 was relatively high, indicating a concerning oral health status in this aging population. These findings provide a scientific basis for the development of appropriate dental care and preventive programs aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults.

Article Details

References

1. Chan AKY, Tamrakar M, Jiang CM, et al. A Systematic Review on Caries Status of Older Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10662. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010662
2. Tuuliainen E, Autonen-Honkonen K, Nihtilä A, et al. Oral Health and Hygiene and Association of Functional Ability: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Old Home Care Clients. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2020;18(2):253-262. doi:10.3290/j.ohpd.a43353
3. Gavinha S, Melo P, Costa L, et al. Dental tooth decay profile in an institutionalized elder population of Northern Portugal. Braz Dent Sci. 2020;23. doi:10.14295/bds.2020.v23i2.1940
4. Qi X, Zhang Y, Yu M, et al. How Root Caries Differs between Middle-aged People and the Elderly: Findings from the 4th National Oral Health Survey of China. Chin J Dent Res 2018;21(3):179-185.
5. Phan Thị Bích Hạnh, Lê Hưng, Nguyễn Thị Hạnh, et al. Thực trạng sâu chân răng ở người cao tuổi và một số yếu tố liên quan tại Bệnh viện E năm 2021 - 2022. Tạp Chí Nghiên Cứu Học. 2023;164(3):180-187.
6. Jordan AR, Meyer-Lueckel H, Kuhr K, et al. Caries experience and care in Germany: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6). Quintessence Int Berl Ger 1985. 2025;56(11):S30-S39. doi:10.3290/j.qi.b5986212
7. Huang LR, Zhang CZ, Gong ML, et al. Development of a nomogram for root caries risk assessment in a Chinese elderly population. J Dent. 2025;156:105624. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105624
8. Tokumoto K, Kimura-Ono A, Mino T, et al. Risk factors for root caries annual incidence and progression among older people requiring nursing care: A one- year prospective cohort study. J Prosthodont Res. 2022;66(2):250-257. doi:10.2186/jpr.JPR_D_20_00272