Teeth conditions in older adults in Minnesota - MN Public Health Data Access - MN Dept. of Health
Teeth conditions in older adults in nursing homes
- Contact of back teeth (posterior occlusal contacts)
- Broken or fractured teeth (root fragments)
- Loose teeth (obvious tooth mobility)
- Hard plaque and tartar (substantial oral debris)
Maintain healthy teeth to prevent tooth loss and jawbone destruction
Healthy teeth means teeth that are strong, clean, and free of decay and infection. Conditions such as back teeth that are not able to come in contact with one another while biting down (posterior occlusal contacts), fractured teeth at or below the gum line (root fragments), loose (mobile) teeth or teeth convered with plaque or tartar (substantial oral debris) can lead to tooth loss and jawbone destruction.
Regular dental cleanings are necessary to remove hardened on tartar build up (calculus) from teeth. Individuals can maintain healthy teeth between dental cleanings with proper oral hygiene that includes flossing and brushing with fluoridated toothpaste to remove soft debris (food and dental plaque). Also, see your dentist for conditions such as loose or broken teeth or clicking, grinding or pain in the jaw joint for treatment and to prevent further damage.
Back teeth contacts among older adults age 65 and older living in Minnesota nursing homes, 2016
Source: Minnesota Department of Health, Oral Health Program. Older Adult Basic Screening Survey.
Data is based on an open mouth screening – the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) standardized survey. Analyzable sample size = 944 of 1,032 residents screened within a stratified random sample of 31 Minnesota Medicare or Medicaid eligible skilled nursing facilities with at least 30 beds. Teeth contact was unknown for 42 residents. See About the Data: Basic Screening Survey for Older Adults for more information.
3 in 10 older adults living in Minnesota nursing homes have at least one root fragment
3 out of every 10
Minnesota older adults (65 years and older) in nursing homes
(32.1%, 95% CI = 29.0 to 35.3; n = 673 of 1,032 screened)
Had at least one root fragment
2016
In 2016, 32 percent of older adults in Minnesota nursing homes - about 15,533 individuals - had at least one root fragment. There were no significant difference in the proportion of older adults with root fragments by sex or age group. Race and ethnicity could not be analyzed due to the low proportion of non-White or Hispanic residents in the sample.
Almost 2 in 30 older adults living in Minnesota nursing homes have at least one loose tooth
2 out of every 30
Minnesota older adults (65 years and older) in nursing homes
(6.4%, 95% CI = 3.6 to 9.1; n= 664 of 944)
Had at least one loose tooth (tooth mobility)
2016
In 2016, 6 percent of older adults age 65 and older in Minnesota nursing homes – about 3,097 individuals – had at least one loose tooth (tooth mobility). There were no significant differences in the proportion of older adults with loose teeth by sex or age group. Race and ethnicity could not be analyzed due to the low proportion of non-White or Hispanic residents in the sample.
In 2016, 2 out of every 30 (6.4%, 95% CI = 3.6 to 9.1; n = 664 of 944) Minnesota older adults aged 65 years and older in nursing homes had at least one loose tooth.
Almost 1 in 5 older adults living in Minnesota nursing homes have tartar build up, food and dental plaque
1 out of every 5
Minnesota older adults (65 years and older) in nursing homes
(17.4%, 95% CI = 12.6 to 22.3; n= 674 of 944)
Had food bits, plaque and tartar build-up
(substantial oral debris)
2016
In 2016, 17 percent of older adults age 65 and older in Minnesota nursing homes – about 8,420 individuals – had substantial oral debris. There were no significant differences in the proportion of older adults with substantial oral debris by sex or age group. Race and ethnicity could not be analyzed due to the low proportion of non-White or Hispanic residents in the sample.