Root caries prevalence among older adults in Miraj, India: a cross-sectional study

Background.This cross-sectional study investigated root caries prevalence among older adults in Miraj, India. Methods.Stratified cluster sampling was used; 891 (5%) of households were randomly selected in each of the nine wards in Miraj.Between January and June 2022, individuals aged ≥55 years from the selected households were invited to undergo oral examination.Root caries status was determined using the root caries index.Periodontal status was determined using the Community Periodontal Index.Sugar intake was determined using the sweet score.Data on the use of tobacco products and oral hygiene practices were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.Results.Of 1756 participants, 493 (28.1%) had root caries.The mean root caries index was 1.72±0.44,and the prevalence of recession with decay was 2.0%.The prevalences of periodontal pockets and loss of attachment were 10.5% and 92.6%, respectively.Caries was present in 82.0% of participants with a sugar score in the 'watch out zone' and 13.3% of participants with a 'good' sugar score. Conclusions.28.1% of older adults in Miraj had root caries.No root caries had fillings, which suggests low emphasis on oral health.Caries prevention measures should be implemented for older adults.