OBJECTIVE: To provide descriptive epidemiological information on the elderly population of Biguaçu, SC, by estimating the prevalence of caries and edentulousness and use and need of prostheses. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy seven elderly people were randomly selected to comprise a representative sample of both rural and urban areas. The oral examination and questionnaire were conducted by two trained/certified dentists. The World Health Organization and Féderation Dentaire Internationale methodologies were used. RESULTS: The mean DMFT value was 28.9 with a high percentage of missing teeth (92.1%) and a low rate of "Decayed" (5.5%) and "Filled" (2.4%) components. The prevalence of edentulism was 48.4% of the population. Denture use was more frequent in the upper jaw, and only 1.8% did not need or use any kind of prosthesis. This percentage was 4% for the lower jaw. CONCLUSION: Despite the low rate of edentate people in comparison to data existing in Brazil, the high DMFT mean value reflects the poor oral health status of the elderly, who need specific care programs in order to change this epidemiological picture.
Oral health; Elderly; Dental caries
