Prevalence and risk factors of root caries in the geriatric population in the rural sector

INTRODUCTION: Increasing age, long-term deleterious habits, and increased bone resorption leading to the gingival recession have become a significant reason for poor geriatric oral health among which root caries are the most prevalent ones among the Indian population. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the geriatric population above 60 years of age and those who gave voluntary consent for participating in the study were included in the study and were briefed about the questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire was given and complete oral examination was done. Results were analyzed using the SPSS 22 version using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test. RESULT: Percentage of deleterious habits amongst males was higher than that of females i.e. 56%. Thus, males were reported with root caries more than females. The percentage of married people suffering from root caries was 85%. The most prevalent occupation among the geriatric population was found to be the farmers with 37%. Religion with maximum percentage and frequency was found to be Hinduism with 84%. Educational statuses with 6(th) to 12(th) standards were reported with maximum root caries, i.e. 55%. CONCLUSION: The study showed that criteria including income, gender, marital status, occupation, religion, and educational status were significant in assessing the prevalence of root caries. Whereas the risk factors such as habits, methods of cleaning, and brushing techniques influenced the root caries among the geriatric population.