Characterization of oral health determinants among a community of participants of a senior activity program

Background: High average life expectancy has caused an increase in the elderly population and with it the need to characterize this population regarding their health and in particular their oral health arises. The purpose of this study was to assess and characterize oral health, oral rehabilitation, oral health literacy and oral health perception and quality of life in a sample of elderly participants of a physical activity program. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was designed with a group of 206 individuals. All the individuals were clinically assessed, and a questionnaire was applied, in the form of a "face-to-face" interview with questions related to the quality of life related to oral health (GOHAI index and the REALD-30 scale). Results Of the 206 study participants, 90.3% admit brushing their teeth daily, 6.3% practice daily flossing, and 5.8% had a dental appointment in the last 12 months. Applying the REALD-30 scale, 22.7% have a low level (score 0–14), 43.7% a moderate level (score 15–22) and 33.6% a high level (score 23–29) of oral health literacy. The GOHAI scale reveals that 37.4% have a high self-perception of their oral health. Conclusions A considerable prevalence of the sample studied present a moderate level of oral health literacy. Therefore, educate each person about their oral health when participating in a specific health program and develop proposals for oral health promotion activities should be widely considered as a strategy towards primary prevention.