The results of the DMFT index for both genders are in accordance with the latest regional figure reported by the Ministry of Health of Brazil in 2010, which indicated a mean of 27.2 teeth in people aged 65–74 years in the city of Fortaleza . However, this value is slightly below the one found in a study conducted in the same city with people in the same age group– 30.7 teeth . The periodontal conditions of the older people in the present study are better than those of people aged 65–74 years assessed in Project SB Brasil 2010 with regard to the presence of shallow (4 to 5 millimetres) and deep periodontal pockets (6 millimetres or more). The dental care provided at the Center for Diabetes and Hypertension of Ceará (CIHD) may explain the better oral condition of these patients compared to that of the general population of Northeastern Brazil.