Effects of lingual site toothbrushing on periodontal disease in the elderly: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and toothbrushing on the lingual surfaces of teeth (lingual toothbrushing) among community dwelling Korean elders.Methods: A total of 150 elderly participants (34 males and 116 females) from Seoul, Korea, were cross-sectionally examined. Socio-demographic, habitual, and systemic health-related factors were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed for outcomes of periodontitis.Results: Oral health activities including lingual toothbrushing were closely correlated with oral health status. Lingual toothbrushing demonstrated a significant association with periodontitis. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 8.98 (1.30-62.15) with inclusion of demographic status, systemic health status, oral health activity, and oral health status.Conclusions: Here, we demonstrate that lingual toothbrushing is associated with periodontitis in the elderly. The importance of lingual toothbrushing should be emphasized in oral health education.