ORAL HYGIENE STATUS IN INDIVIDUALS AGED 55-69 YEARS FROM DIFFERENT REGIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

To assess the level of oral hygiene in middle-aged and older adults from different regional and occupational groups in Ukraine and to identify regional, occupational, and gender-related characteristics of oral hygiene status. Materials and Methods. A total of 131 individuals aged 55–69 years from various regions of Ukraine were examined, representing medical, office-based, and industrial occupational groups, as well as residents of a fluorosis-endemic area. Oral hygiene status was evaluated using the Silness–Löe plaque index, the Stallard index, and the dental calculus index according to standard methods. Statistical analysis included the calculation of mean values and standard errors. Results. Pronounced regional and occupational differences in oral hygiene status were identified. The most favorable oral hygiene indicators were observed among employees of a medical research institution, whereas the poorest hygiene status was found in workers of chemical, metallurgical, and mining industries. Industrial workers demonstrated not only increased plaque accumulation but also intensified plaque mineralization. Residents of the fluorosis-endemic area exhibited a specific oral hygiene phenotype characterized by a moderate level of dental plaque combined with a high degree of calculus formation. Gender analysis revealed consistently poorer oral hygiene status in men across all study groups. Conclusions. Oral hygiene status in middle-aged and older adults is significantly influenced by regional, occupational, and gender-related factors. The findings indicate the need for the development and implementation of differentiated preventive programs targeted at groups with increased oral health risk.