Oral health status of Thai elderly: tooth loss and denture placement

Authors :

• Petchara Techakumpuch D.D.S., M.S.D. (Prosthodontics), Ph.D., Thai Board of Prosthodontics1
• Sutha Jienmaneechotchai B.Sc., M.Sc., D.D.S., M.P.H., Thai Board of Dental Public Health
• Supanee Dalodom B.Sc., D.D.S., M.P.H.
• Panarat Kodkeaw D.D.S., M.Sc. (Prosthodontics), Higher Grad.Dip (Maxillofacial Prosthetics), Ph.D. (Dental Biomaterials Science), Thai Board of Prosthodontics
• Piyawat Phankosol B.Sc., D.D.S., M.S. (Prosthodontics), Cert Prosthodontics, Cert Removable Prosthetics, Cert Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Ph.D. (Dental Science), Thai Board of Prosthodontics

Abstract :

Thailand is facing to the problems in population structure that transit to an aging society. The
increase of average age together with the health problems especially chronic disease always affects oral
health. Because of the impaction on eating, communication, comfort, appearance, and socializing, the
oral health status usually affected to the quality of life. Thus, the proper oral health care and tooth
preservation are important issues. This article presents Thailand National Oral Health survey reported
by focusing on the elderly group. The content includes the oral health status, the problems of tooth
loss, the situation of denture placement, and the initiation of strategic plan for solving the oral health
problems in Thai elderly.

(CU Dent J. 2013;36:117-28)

Keywords :
denture placement; oral health status; Thai elderly