Effects of Lingual and Palatal Site Toothbrushing on Periodontal Disease in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background : To analyze the association between periodontal health status and daily oral health activities including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing. (2) Methods : One hundred and fifty Korean elderly people aged >65 years participated in the study. Clinical examination regarding oral health status, including periodontal health status, was evaluated, and data on the oral health activities, socio-demographic factors, and systemic health-related factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Statistical analyses assessed the differences of periodontal health status according to daily oral health activities, including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing. (3) Results : Oral health activities including lingual and palatal site toothbrushing, frequency of toothbrushing, use of an interdental toothbrush, dietary patterns, and activity dependence correlated with bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontitis. After adjusting for covariates, the prevalence of periodontitis was lower in the group where the inner surfaces of the teeth were partially or wholly cleaned than in the group without such cleaning. High BOP was significantly associated with the brushing of the inner surfaces of teeth. (4) Conclusions : Lingual and palatal site toothbrushing was associated with good periodontal health status in the elderly; the importance of brushing the inner surfaces of teeth should be emphasized for them and their caregivers.