EFFECTS OF AN ORAL HEALTH-PROGRAM ON SELECTED CLINICAL-PARAMETERS ANDSALIVARY BACTERIA IN A LONG-TERM-CARE FACILITY

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically and microbiologically the effects of a preventive oral health program in a long-term care f acility. A total of 116 dentate elderly residents agreed to participat e, and half of them were included in an experimental group. Almost all of the residents were mentally or physically handicapped, and many we re dependent on care-givers for daily living activities. Oral examinat ion and microbiological sampling were performed at baseline and 18 mon ths later. The experimental group benefited from a preventive program, including an oral hygiene course for the health care providers and re gular recalls by dental hygienists of the residents. After 18 months, the plaque indices were statistically similar to those at baseline in both groups. Mutans streptococci counts and active root caries at 18 m onths were lower compared to baseline in the experimental group but di d not change significantly in the control group. Thus, it seems that, while the preventive program failed to decrease plaque indices, it was effective in reducing mutans streptococci colonisation and caries pre valence.