Associated factors with the use of dentures or reported dental and gum problems with oral prosthesis use among Mexican American older adults

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with using dental prosthesis or oral problems related to their use among older Mexican Americans of the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly EPESE) in the United States. A cross-sectional analysis was made with data of 2992 men and women aged 65 years and older inter-viewed during 1993-1994. Forty four % of subjects reported the use of partial or total dental prosthesis. Among those using dental prosthesis, 21% reported problems with teeth or gums when eating. In multivariate analyses, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitations were associated with using dental prosthesis (OR = 1.23, 95% confidence interval - CI =1.04-1.45). Also, among subjects using dental pros-thesis, increased depressive symptoms (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.04-1.95) and IADL limitations (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.15-2.17) were associated with problems with teeth or gums when eating. In conclusion, factors usually affecting quality of life in older persons such as functional dependency and depression are associated with using dental prosthesis or oral problems with teeth or gums when eating.