Prevalence and risk factors of root caries in the geriatric population in the rural sector
Sumit Kumar, Sourav Sen, Rakashree Chakraborty, Sumedha Srivastava, Gaurav Mishra, Ashish Choudhary
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Increasing age, long-term deleterious habits, and increased bone resorption leading to the gingival recession have become a significant reason for poor geriatric oral health among which root caries are the most prevalent ones among the Indian population. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the geriatric population above 60 years of age and those who gave voluntary consent for participating in the study were included in the study and were briefed about the questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire was given and complete oral examination was done. Results were analyzed using the SPSS 22 version using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test. RESULT: standards were reported with maximum root caries, i.e. 55%. CONCLUSION: The study showed that criteria including income, gender, marital status, occupation, religion, and educational status were significant in assessing the prevalence of root caries. Whereas the risk factors such as habits, methods of cleaning, and brushing techniques influenced the root caries among the geriatric population.