DENTAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS: CLINICAL COMPLAINTS, DMF INDEX, AND NON-CARIOUS LESIONS

Abstract

Purpose of the study. To assess the main dental complaints and index indicators of the condition of hard dental tissues in patients with cognitive impairments, as well as to determine the level of dental care and the prevalence of non- carious lesions. Research methods. A total of 27 patients with cognitive impairments were examined (mean age – 72.09±1.11 years). The analysis included oral complaints, caries indicators using the DMF index, DMF structure, number of preserved teeth, level of dental care according to Leus, and prevalence of non-carious lesions. Scientific novelty. The most common complaints were oral mucosa dryness (92.6 %), angular cheilitis (85.2 %), soreness (66.7 %), burning sensation (62.9%), and difficulties with removable dentures (48.2 %). Caries prevalence was 100 %, with a mean DMF index of 22.3±0.77, dominated by the “M” component (71.7 %), which was 1.7 times higher compared to individuals without cognitive impairments (p<0.05). The average number of preserved teeth was 6.32±0.8, nearly two times lower than the WHO recommendations for this age group. The level of dental care according to Leus was 17.1 %, corresponding to an insufficient level. Among non-carious lesions, pathological tooth wear (23.1 %), wedge-shaped defects (34.6 %), and enamel erosions (7.7 %) were recorded. Conclusions.Patients with cognitive impairments demonstrate a high prevalence of dental diseases and a low level of dental care. These findings confirm the need for specialized approaches to prevention and treatment, taking intoaccount patients’ cognitive status and the involvement of their caregivers.