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Biomedical subjects

J H Meeuwissen

Publications and source records attributed to J H Meeuwissen.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Satisfaction with reduced dentitions in elderly people.

Natural dentitions of elderly people are often reduced and the remaining teeth are heavily restored. It is unknown whether they are satisfied or dissatisfied with this situation. To get more insight into this phenomenon 320 dentate non-institutionalized elderly subjects were clinically examined and interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Analysis of the data showed that only 13% of the subjects had at least a complete dentition from the right first molar to the left first molar; 50% had less than four occlusal units, 39% of the subjects were wearing a removable partial denture. Ninety per cent of the subjects was satisfied with the dental state and nearly all subjects mentioned they could chew well (97%), despite the fact that 91% of the subjects mentioned they had to deal with one or more dental discomforts. Satisfaction decreased significantly when the number of the occlusal units was reduced or a removable partial denture was present. The conclusion is drawn that although the dentitions of the elderly are often reduced they are, in general, satisfied with their dental state.

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PubMed1993

Oral function in dentate elderly with reduced dentitions.

This study covers the characteristics of reduced dentitions in a population of elderly people. The sample consisted of 329 independently living individuals between 55 and 75 years of age. They all had one or more natural teeth and were all interviewed and investigated clinically. The findings showed that 13% of the subjects had a natural dentition with at least the first molars; 4-7 natural occlusal units (defined as 'pairs of opposing teeth that support the occlusion') occurred in 37% of the subjects; 1-4 natural occlusal units in 41% and 0 units in 9% (only anterior contacts). A removable partial denture was worn by 39% of the subjects; most of them were acrylic based dentures (61%). The percentages of restored teeth per subject were high. The need for further restorations, however, was low. Periodontal problems were uncommon; 25% of the subjects had one pocket above 5 mm; 8% had severe problems. Poor oral hygiene was present in a quarter of the cases. Most of the subjects (70%) had no pain or noises in the temporomandibular joint. Only 10% of subjects had more than one sign of craniomandibular dysfunction. Most of the subjects (85%) visit their dentist regularly and 65% had their last tooth extraction more than three years ago. A majority mentioned that they have never had problems with their dentition in the past; 50% had had no real toothache for the last five years. However, problems with food-packing were often mentioned. It can be concluded that, although the dentitions of the elderly in this population are often reduced, their dentitions are in general in good condition and few give TMJ problems.

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PubMed1992

Is there a need for gerodontology?

One of the major criteria of successful ageing is maintaining a natural, healthy, functional dentition throughout life, including all the social and biological benefits such as aesthetics and comfort, and the ability to chew, taste and speak. However, the oral health of elderly people is far from optimal. The treatment needs are high due to edentulism, missing teeth, caries, periodontal diseases and tooth wear resulting in impaired oral functions. The demand for treatment is much lower than the need. In the future the elderly will retain their natural dentition and more teeth per individual will be present. Despite this there will be a rise in edentulousness due to the sharp rise in numbers of the elderly population. The 'new elderly' will be more critical and more demanding of oral health care services. The dental profession and governments in all industrialised countries must be aware of these trends which should be reflected in undergraduate and postgraduate education of dentists and in research. The European College of Gerodontology has been founded to contribute to solving all problems related to oral health and oral health care of the elderly.

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PubMed1989

[Natural dentition of the elderly. An occlusal concept].

Treatment of the impaired dentition of the elderly has to be focused on maintaining the strategic natural teeth. This means not necessarily the preservation of all teeth. At least a minimal functional level should be preserved.

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