The incidence of main stomatological diseases among elderly populations in the high-altitude regions of the Republic of Dagestan

The prevalence and severity of dental caries among elderly populations of three regions of the Republic of Dagestan were estimated. The study was carried out in 2008 and included a total of 600 subjects at the age from 55 to 74 years (200 in each region). It revealed the high prevalence (100%) and DMFT score (from 18.8 +- 0.1 to 21.3 +- 0.1) of caries among elderly residents of the high-altitude Dagestanian regions. These data suggest poor quality of stomatological services provided to the local population. The authors emphasize the necessity of taking into consideration population-specific factors in the elaboration of therapeutic and preventive stomatological care programs for the mountain regions of Dagestan.

elderly subjects, prevalence of dental caries