Frequency of oral mucosa pathologic lesions and the effect of environmental factors on it in the elderly populaton in Tabriz 2018

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to multiple dental problems and periodontal diseases that often occur due to lack of sanitation and nutrition in the elderly, diseases also affect these individuals oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, prevalence and type of mucosal lesions of elders referred to Dentistry Faculty of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Tabriz’s elderly centers, as well as determine the frequency of these lesions by separation of gender and use of tobacco, removable prosthesis and also identify the most common oral involvement place. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 164 elderly people over 65 years old who were referred to Dentistry Faculty and elderly people in Tabriz Elderly People Centers. The obtained data were recorded in the checklist and the results of the study were reported using descriptive statistical methods (frequency and percentage). Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17 software and a significant level of P <0.05 was considered. Results: Out of 164 elderly, 118 (72%) were female and 46 (28%) were male with an average age of 73.9 years. 159 (97%) of the studied elders had at least one lesion. The most common lesions in the oral mucosa were fissured tongue (37.8%), varicosity (34.1%), diffuse pigmentation (18.9%), candidiasis (18.3%) and denture stomatitis (17.7%). Varicosity was higher in men than in women. 71.3 % of the lesions were observed in the tongue. 70.1% of the individuals had removable prosthesis and related mucosal lesions and the relationship between denture and related lesions was significant. There was no significant relationship between smoking and oral lesions.

Conclusion: Oral health is an important factor in the quality of life of the elderly. Considering the high prevalence of oral lesions in the elderly, this study is of great importance in oral and dental problems in the elderly and their oral examination in order to reduce the problems and oral lesions.