An Epidemiological Survey of Denture-Related Lesions in a Geriatric Population in Malaysia

Abstract

The prevalence of tooth loss amongst the elderly is generally very high. Hence mastication and subsequently nutrition is greatly affected leading to the impairment of their general health. Therefore denture construction is an important aspect in the rehabilitation of the oral and general health in most elderlies. However, poorly constructed dentures and lack of maintenance coupled with various other health and health- related problems of the elderly, for instance poor general health especially with immunocompromised states, multiple medication intake, xerostomia, reduced mobility, economic status, mental state and ignorance may all lead to discomfort and denture associated lesions in these elderly patients.

         No regional studies or data on denture- related lesions in the general population have been reported. Previous epi-demiological studies of adults in Malaysia (1,2) and other local studies have not investigated lesions of the oral tissues associated with geriatric denture wearers although studies in developed countries, where prevalence of denture usage is high, have noted that denture- related lesions to be the most common group of oral mucosal lesions in the elderly (3-7).

            As has been reported in most developing countries, the proportion of  elderly in Malaysia is also increasing. It has also been noted that the mean number of teeth present decreases as age increases; in those between 15 to 19 years, all 28 teeth are present, 35 to 44 years old have 23 teeth whereas those above  65 years retain only 12 teeth. Edentulousness increases from 0% to 7.3% to 56.6% in these age groups respectively (2). It is anticipated that with the increasing population of the elderly in Malaysia and the improving economy, the proportion of denture wearers in the population will increase.

                  In view of the lack of investigations in Malaysia focusing exclusively on this group of lesions, it is therefore the aim of this pilot investigations to highlight the prevalence of denture - related lesions in a representive population of the elderly living in the community, both in the urban and rural areas. It may also form a basis against which future studies can be compared.