Evaluation of community oral health using the oral age index

Abstract

We evaluated use of the oral age index to determine the status of oral health in the community. We compared the actual age and oral age of residents in each community. The oral age index is a total assessment of a person's oral health based on the number of sound teeth and the health of the periodontal tissues. An oral age younger than the actual age is desirable. We surveyed 7,456 people in 24 districts of Osaka City and 31 towns in Osaka Prefecture. We concluded that the oral age index is appropriate for evaluating a community's oral health status and for accurately assessing differences in oral health status among communities. We also developed a map showing the status of each community's oral health so as to better understand their needs.Shika Igaku(J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2003 Dec; 66(4): 279-288.