Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index Research Articles

Smartphone-based combined oral and whole-body exercise programme aimed at improving oral functions: A randomized clinical trial.

To investigate the effects of a smartphone-based oral and whole-body exercise programme on oral function in older adults. Individuals aged 65 years or above were randomized into three groups (non-app use, app use and control group), and a combined oral and whole-body exercise programme was conducted for 5 weeks. Oral muscle strength, saliva flow rate, Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were measured before and after the intervention. The changes in each group were analysed at the end of the programme using paired sample t-tests, and the differences among the groups were analysed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and ANOVA. The anterior tongue strength increased by 2.80 kPa after the intervention in the non-app use group; however, the change was not statistically significant. In the app use group, the anterior tongue strength significantly increased by 4.48 kPa. The saliva flow rate increased by 0.54 and 0.71 g/min in the non-app and app use groups, respectively, after the intervention (p < 0.05), and the change was greater in the app use group than in the other groups (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the posterior tongue strength, cheek strength, OHIP-14 or GOHAI scores over the course of the study. A smartphone-based combined oral and whole-body exercise programme can improve anterior tongue strength and saliva flow rate in older participants. The programme, however, did not result in significant changes in posterior tongue strength, cheek strength and perceived oral health.

Evaluating Oral and Dental Health and the RelatedFactors regarding the Elderly in Aliabad City of Golestan Province in 2022

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: Considering the increasing growth of the elderly population, the importance of their life quality e, and the impact of oral and dental health on their quality of life, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating oral and dental health and the factors affecting it in the elderly of Aliabad city, Golestan province, in 1400.&#x0D; Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. The research population consisted of 216 elderly of over 60 living in Aliabad city of Golestan province in 2022; they were selected through cluster random sampling method. 128 people (59/3 percent) were women and 88 people (40/ 7 percent) were men. This study was conducted from May to September 2022. To collect data, demographic information questionnaire and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were used, whose Persian version was valid and reliable. In addition, the last dental visit, the number of times the mouth was washed, the need for dental treatment, and personal assessment of the individual's oral and dental health status were among the items that were collected and recorded in the form of dental information regarding the elderly. After completing the questionnaires, data were entered into SPSS version 20 software and the analysis was done through descriptive statistics (frequency distribution calculation and central and dispersion indices), one way ANOVA, and t-test.&#x0D; Results: In the present study, the score of oral and dental health questionnaire regarding the elderly was 49/51±8/67, which was considered satisfactory. This variable had a statistically significant relationship with the number of mouth washes (p=0/02) , personal evaluation of mouth condition (p=0/01), and the number of teeth (p&lt;0/001). While there was no significant relationship regarding education level (p=0/26), place of residence (p=0/072), gender (p=0/56), employment status (p=0/63), income level (p=0/062), smoking (p=0/23) and the last dental visit (p=0/28),and the presence or absence of dentures (p=0/62) did not show a significant difference.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the quality of life score related to the oral health of the elderly in Aliabad city was satisfactory, there is still roome to improve this score. Prevention strategies for chronic diseases and high blood pressure, re-emphasizing oral and dental hygiene, and improving related health behaviors should be considered as the most important future programs in this city. Integrating oral and dental health program in the country's public health program and creating a team to promote oral and dental health at primary care level are considered effective and low-cost solutions.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Non-institutionalized Elderly in Malaysia: A Teaching Hospital-Based Survey.

Background In Malaysia, the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) has been recognized as a vital instrument for evaluating oral health-related quality of life among the elderly population. Its integration into the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2018 demonstrates the country's dedication to understandingand addressing the unique oral health challenges faced by older individuals. The NHMS, led by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, serves as a crucial platform for identifying and addressing healthcare needs, while also working towards achieving sustainable development goals. This study aimed to provide valuable information for stakeholders and researchers by investigating the relationship between quality of life related to oral health and demographic factors, with the ultimate goal of enhancing oral healthcare for older individuals. Objective The objective of this research was to identify the variables that impact the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of non-institutionalized elderly individuals who visit the Klinik Pergigian Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM). By utilizing the OHRQoL, dental practitioners can gain insight into the elderly's oral health-related quality of life, which is crucial information for dental healthcare providers to effectively reach out to and cater to the elderly at the institution. Methodology A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a non-probability sampling method to select eligible elderly individuals at the clinic. A validated questionnaire comprising 18 items covering sociodemographic details and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was distributed to individuals above 60 years via printed forms. One way ANOVA, unpaired t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. Results The overall mean GOHAI score among non-institutionalized elderly attending Klinik Pergigian MUCM was 48.38±9.33, indicating poor OHRQoL. The psychosocial impact domain had a mean score of 19.33±5.21, surpassing the pain and discomfort domain with a score of 10.73±2.82, highlighting the significant impact of psychosocial factors on poor oral health-related quality of life. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significantassociations between OHRQoL and factors such asethnicity, living arrangements apart from spouse and family, or tertiary education among older individuals after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusions This study indicates that sociodemographic aspects have minimal impact on the OHRQoLof seniors. Further examination is needed to understand the economic aspects of tooth replacement options and preventive measures in this age group. To enhance the OHRQoLof older adults, especially those not living infacilities like nursing homes or assisted living centers,tailored oral healthcare plans and strategies arecrucial. Interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals, geriatric experts, and oral healthcare providers is crucial for empowering both healthcare practitioners and seniors to maintain optimal oral health.

The relationship and affecting factors between oral health and frailty in the older people: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the connection between oral health and frailty in older people and to determine the affecting factors. The research was a community-based cross-sectional study. A Family Health Center conducted a study on 321 older people. Data were collected face-to-face using the Personal Information Form, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, and Edmonton Frailty Scale. Factors affecting oral health and frailty were examined using the MANOVA test and the relationship between them was examined using Pearson's correlation test. It was determined that 52.6% of the participants had poor oral health and 56.1% had different levels of frailty. Education was effective on the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scale score. The presence of chronic disease, frequency of tooth/denture brushing, age, education, and sex were effective on the Edmonton Frailty Scale. When the partial eta square values were examined, it was determined that the variable that had the highest impact on the GOHAI and EFS scale scores was educational status. It was determined that there was a significant negative relationship between participants' oral health and frailty scores (r=-0.539, p<.001). It was determined that more than half of the older individuals included in the study had poor subjective oral health and varying levels of frailty. The influencing factors were determined through multivariate advanced analysis. This relationship and affecting factors are important in providing appropriate early detection and care to older people.

Self-perceived oral health

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-perceived oral health and the prosthetic status of individuals who seek care in prosthodontics clinics. Methods: Self-perceived oral health was analyzed through the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Abutment tooth mobility was assessed, and denture status was determined by clinical assessment of stability, retention, occlusal balance, vertical dimension, and integrity of dentures. The frequency of individuals in each variable was determined for the low and very low GOHAI conditions. Chi-square, Pearson, and stepwise logistic regression tests were used for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05). Results: Ninety wearers of removable dentures with a mean age of 55.1±9.1 years were evaluated. None of the variables was related to GOHAI values (p &gt; 0.05). The regression analysis showed that age predicts (p = 0.006) the variation of GOHAI conditions (OR = 0.924, CI = 0.873- 0.978), showing only 7.6% protective effect against very low GOHAI. Unsatisfactory stability showed the opposite effect (p = 0.034) and the individuals with this characteristic are more likely (OR = 3.055) to have very low GOHAI scores (CI = 1.085- 8.602). Conclusions: The self-perceived oral health of wearers of removable dentures worsens with age and unsatisfactory stability of dentures.

The relationship between dysphagia and frailty among Chinese hospitalized older patients: a serial mediation model through self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status

BackgroundFrailty contributes to adverse outcomes in older adults and places a heavy burden on healthcare resources. Dysphagia is associated with frailty, but the mechanisms by which dysphagia affects frailty in older adults are unclear. This study aimed to investigate a serial mediating effect of self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status in the relationship between dysphagia and frailty among hospitalized older patients in China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1200 patients aged ≥ 65 years in the Department of Geriatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital. A structured face-to-face interview was used to survey the following questionnaires: General Information Questionnaire, Tilburg Frailty Indicators (TFI), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), 30mL Water Swallow Test (WST), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and Short-Form Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF). A total of 980 participants with complete data were included in the analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 28.0 software. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis of study variables. The results of the multivariate linear regression analysis for frailty were used as covariates in the mediation analysis, and the structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the mediating effects among the study variables.ResultsDysphagia, self-perceived oral health, self-reported nutritional status, and frailty were significantly correlated (P<0.001). Dysphagia was found to directly affect frailty (β = 0.161, 95%CI = 0.089 to 0.235) and through three significant mediation pathways: (1) the path through self-perceived oral health (β = 0.169, 95%CI = 0.120 to 0.221), accounting for 36.98% of the total effect; (2) the path through self-reported nutritional status (β = 0.050, 95%CI = 0.023 to 0.082), accounting for 10.94% of the total effect; (3) the path through self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status (β = 0.077, 95%CI = 0.058 to 0.102), accounting for 16.85% of the total effect. The total mediation effect was 64.77%.ConclusionsThis study indicated that dysphagia was significantly associated with frailty. Self-perceived oral health and self-reported nutritional status were serial mediators of this relationship. Improving the oral health and nutritional status of hospitalized older patients may prevent or delay the frailty caused by dysphagia.

Assessment of Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status in Institutionalized Elderly Goan Population: A Descriptive, Cross-sectional Study

Background: The geriatric population is continuously at risk for nutritional deficiency and malnutrition, especially in developing countries like India. The aim of this study was to determine if the oral health-related quality of life is associated with malnutrition among the institutionalized elderly Goan population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the institutionalized elderly in Goa. The elderly was assessed by a 12-item Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using the SPSS version 21. Results: There were 102 elderly participants, of which 60.8% were females. The majority of study subjects (83%) were between the age group of 65 and 74 years. Among the assessed subjects, nearly 55.9% of them had a total score of GOHAI between 12 and 57 which was categorized as “needed dental care.” As per MNA, 32.4% had adequate nutrition, 65.7% were at risk of malnutrition, and the remaining 2% of subjects were malnourished. There was a significant correlation between GOHAI and MNA scores. Conclusion: In the elderly, nutritional status played a significant role in the oral health quality of life. The geriatric denture population is particularly vulnerable to compromised nutritional health.

Oral Health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Elderly People in Iran.

The study aimed to investigate oral health status and its relationship with oral health-related quality of life in the elderly in Isfahan, Iran, in 2022. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan, with 460 elderly participants. During interviews with the participants, their demographic information, their medical and dental history, oral health-related behaviors, self-perceived oral health, and clinical examinations were collected, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was completed. The final conclusions were made using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) test. The mean (sd) scores were 45.05 (8.62) for GOHAI, 5.44 (2.96) for self-perceived oral health, and 18.11 (5.76) for DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth). Moreover, the number of remaining teeth on average was 11.78 (11.89), 39.56% of the participants did not brush their teeth, 40% of the elderly had complete dentures, and 27.17% had dental insurance. After adjusting and modifying the variables, the GLM test revealed that strong predictors for higher GOHAI scores were the higher levels of education (p < .001), the higher frequency of remaining teeth (p = 0.002), more pleasant self-perceived oral health (p < .001), and dental insurance (p = 0.04). According to the findings, the elderly's oral health-related quality of life in Isfahan was low, which was caused by the following factors: edentulism, few numbers of remaining teeth, high DMFT score, elderly' non-adjustment with dentures and their low quality, inappropriate oral health-related behaviors, lack of complementary insurance for dentistry, and non-using dental services, and low levels of education.

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Factors Associated with Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Geriatric Population in Rural South India – A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: In recent times, there is an increase in life expectancy leading to demographic transition toward aging population in both developed and developing countries. Oral health represents a major concern for general health; hence, the oral health of older people is increasingly important. One particularly meaningful factor is the number of teeth which provide information about the functionality of the masticatory system, an esthetic smile as well as an esthetic profile. Losing teeth can be psychologically traumatic, socially damaging, and functionally limiting, thereby affecting the quality of life (QoL). Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and factors associated with poor oral health-related QoL in geriatric population (aged &gt;60 years) in rural South India. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 437 elderly in Kaniyambadi block of Vellore district. Sociodemographic details were collected directly by face-to-face interview, and the elderly were subjected to oral examination for oral health status. Oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL) was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Factors associated with poor OHrQoL were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The study population comprised 31.1% (n = 136) of males and 68.9% (n = 301) of females, with a mean age of 68 (standard deviation – 6.9) years. On oral examination, the prevalence of dental caries and any type of edentulism was 51.5% (n = 225) and 82.4% (n = 360), respectively. The prevalence of complete edentulism was 10.1% (n = 44). By assessing oral health-related quality of life using the revised GOHAI tool, 30 (6.9%) had high scores between 34 and 36, 166 (38%) had scores between 31 and 33, and 241 (55.1%) had low scores (≤30). In the multivariate analysis, age &gt;70 years (odds ratio [OR] =1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–3.06, P = 0.006), male gender (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.05–3.3, P = 0.033), and edentulism/severe tooth loss (OR = 8.64, 95% CI = 3.19–23.87, P &lt; 0.001) had significantly higher odds for poor OHrQoL. Edentulism/severe tooth loss was also significantly associated with undernutrition (OR = 12.5, 95% CI = 6.56–23.81, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The burden of dental caries and edentulism in rural South India was high. The prevalence of edentulism had a significant impact on the OHrQoL. This study highlights the need for researchers to understand the importance of edentulism and its impact on overall health of the elderly, thereby focusing on health programs inclusive of oral health promotion and prevention.

한국 노인의 상대 악력과 노인구강건강평가지수(GOHAI)의 관련성

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the elderly's relative grip strength and the elderly Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods: The study subjects were 3,410 elderly people aged 65 years or older from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Results: It was found that the higher the relative grip strength, the higher the GOHAI scores. In the male elderly, there was a significant effect in the 2nd quartile group and 3rd quartile group than in the group with the lowest grip strength. The elderly female was significantly present in the middle group and the high group. Conclusions: As a result, it was confirmed that relative grip strength could affect GOHAI scores. It is considered that in-depth follow-up research is needed to support multifaceted policies and institutional improvement for the health of the elderly.

ORAL HEALTH AMONG FILIPINO OLDER ADULT IMMIGRANTS

Abstract Poor oral health has been associated with decreased quality of life, various non-communicable diseases, and a higher risk of mortality. There is also evidence that older immigrants and those who have been in the US for less than 5 years are more likely to have periodontitis, a serious gum disease and a common oral health condition. Despite this evidence, there is a paucity of studies investigating the influence of acculturation, immigration-related experiences, and resilience on oral health among older Filipino immigrants. To address this significant knowledge gap, a mixed methods study using a survey and focus group interviews was conducted among community-dwelling Filipino immigrants aged 60 years and older. This poster will present the results of the survey (N=103), which used a socio-demographic questionnaire, as well as valid and reliable instruments such as the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, A Short Acculturation Scale for Filipino Americans, Everyday Discrimination Scale, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The results of the regression analysis revealed that the perception of discrimination and resilience were significantly associated with the perception of oral health among the participants surveyed [F(10,92) = 1.985, p &amp;lt; 0.05]; this regression model accounted for 18.6% of variance in the perception of oral health. The findings support the need for culturally sensitive interventions that could optimize oral health, including the utilization of dental care services for this underserved population.

New measure of functional tooth loss for successful Oral ageing: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study evaluated the impacts of functional tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among elderly people compared with the impacts of several common indicators of oral health. Additionally, the cut-off of functional tooth loss needed for a better OHRQoL was investigated to establish a new measure for successful oral ageing.MethodsData from people aged 65–74 were extracted from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in Sichuan, China. Functional tooth loss was defined as both natural tooth loss and nonfunctional teeth, such as third molars, residual roots, and removable dentures. The cut-offs of tooth loss were first identified as 12, based on the previous definition of functional dentition (≥20 natural teeth except the third molars), and 14, 16, or 18 for further investigation. OHRQoL was evaluated by the standardized Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (sGOHAI) score. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the impacts on OHRQoL. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted using the stratified chi-square test to explore the effect of functional tooth loss at each position.ResultsThe mean GOHAI score of the 744 participants was 48.25 ± 7.62. Elderly people who had lost ≤12 functional teeth had greater odds of reporting a higher sGOHAI score than those who had lost more functional teeth (odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.11). No significant difference in the sGOHAI score was detected between people who had lost 13–16 functional teeth and those who had lost ≤12 functional teeth (0.61, 0.35–1.07). The loss of second premolars and first and second molars had great impacts on the sGOHAI score when ≤12 or ≤ 16 functional teeth had been lost.ConclusionsCompared with natural tooth loss, functional dentition and occluding pairs, functional tooth loss can be a better indicator of OHRQoL in the elderly population. Sixteen remaining functional teeth seem to be sufficient to maintain good OHRQoL and successful oral ageing despite that number being previously acknowledged as ≥20 teeth.

Age-group-specific association of oral health and systemic health on cognitive function: a cross-sectional study of Korean elders

BackgroundAlthough the importance of oral and systemic healthcare for elderly people is increasing owing to the rapid ageing of the population in South Korea, studies on the relationship between oral health, systemic health, and cognitive function, as well as on the prediction of cognitive function by oral and systemic health depending upon age groups are lacking.MethodsWe included 5,975 out of 6,488 participants from the 8th wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) panel data, divided the participants into three age groups, and performed a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis to explain cognitive function with four types of predictors: oral health status, sociodemographic factors, objective health status, and subjective health status.ResultsOral health status was positively correlated with systemic health status and cognitive function. Of all ages over 54, cognitive function was significantly predicted by oral health variables, such as the number of functional teeth, masticatory ability, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI); sociodemographic variables, such as age, sex, education level, and residence; and systemic health variables, such as diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, cancer or malignant tumours, cerebrovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, depressive symptom, and self-rated health status. Oral health variables explained cognitive function differently by age group; GOHAI appeared important predictor in the group aged < 75 years, whereas the number of functional teeth did in the group aged ≥ 75 years. Educational level, masticatory ability, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health status were pivotal factors age-independently.ConclusionsThe general and age-group-specific association between oral health, systemic health, and cognitive function were confirmed, suggesting that age-group-specific oral healthcare should be emphasized for the effective management of systemic and cognitive health in the elderly group.

노인의 인지기능과 삶의 만족도 관계에서 구강건강관련 요인의 매개효과

Objective: This study was conducted to analyze the mediating effect of oral health factors in the relationship between cognitive function and life satisfaction in the elderly. Methods: This study analyzed 6,169 elderly people aged 60 years or older described in the 8th Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging (2020). The oral health factors of the elderly were divided into 'functional dimension factors,' 'psychosocial dimension factors,' and 'pain or discomfort factors' of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). To determine the mediating effect of each factor, a path analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.4. Results: Between cognitive function and life satisfaction, among the oral health factors in the elderly, the functional dimension factor showed the largest partial mediating effect at 23% (β = 0.207, 95% confidence interval; CI = 0.169, 0.207). The psychosocial dimension factor was 22% (β = 0.202, 95% CI = 0.171, 0.236), and the pain and discomfort factor was 16% (β = 0.146, 95% CI = 0.119, 0.175), showing a partial mediating effect. Conclusions: The influence of three oral health-related factors on cognitive function and life satisfaction was confirmed. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the cognitive level of the elderly and identify oral health factors in detail. Accordingly, it is necessary to establish a personalized rehabilitation treatment access strategy and increase the life satisfaction of the elderly.

Gender Differences in Self-Reported Oral Health–Related Quality of Life Among Older Men and Women at Two Midwest Senior Centers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in functional, psychosocial, and pain-related consequences of oral health among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Method: The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used to assess self-reported oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older men and women at two Midwest senior centers. Researchers also collected demographic information, including age, gender, marital status, level of education, annual income, and ethnicity. Results: Older women reported significantly lower overall OHRQoL than men did, and this difference was not better explained as being due to differences in annual income or marital status. Furthermore, women scored significantly lower on the Physical Functioning and Psychosocial Functioning subscales of the GOHAI, while women also had lower average scores on the Pain/Discomfort subscale. This difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Older women were reportedly more negatively impacted by OHRQoL issues than older men. Women reported significantly lower levels of physical and psychosocial functioning due to oral health problems. Data regarding gender differences in oral health related pain and discomfort were inconclusive. Further research is needed to examine this question, as well as to determine the reasons why women seem to experience lower OHRQoL than men do in old age.

The moderating effect of oral health on the association between exercise and frailty in patients with musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the effects of exercise and oral health on frailty and to investigate the moderating effect of oral health on the relationship between exercise and frailty among patients with musculoskeletal disorders. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study used data from the seventh wave of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Frailty index based on 41 deficits across seven domains was used, and oral health was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to confirm the moderating effect of oral health, and PROCESS macro model 1 by Hayes was applied to examine an inference test of the conditional effect of the moderator. ResultsData on 1,812 participants with musculoskeletal disorders (mean age 75.0 ± 8.6 years) was analyzed. Compared with no exercise, regular exercise (β= -2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]= -3.42; -1.34) was significantly associated with lower frailty level. Good oral health (β= -0.38, 95% CI= -0.44, -0.32) was significantly associated with lower frailty level. A significant moderating effect of oral health on the relationship between regular exercise and frailty was detected (β= 0.18, 95% CI= 0.05, 0.30). ConclusionsThe beneficial effects of regular exercise on frailty were greater in participants with poor oral health than in those with good oral health. Healthcare providers should actively encourage older patients with musculoskeletal disorders and poor oral health to exercise regularly. Combined exercise and oral healthcare interventions may be the most effective strategy for managing frailty in older patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Linking the demographic, socio-economic and oral health status to oral health-related quality of life of the sudanese older adults: a cross sectional study

BackgroundOral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is an important measure of patients’ needs and progress. Identifying the links between clinical and non-clinical factors with OHRQoL in a specific population will facilitate the development of effective preventive strategies. The aim of the study was to assess the OHRQoL of Sudanese older adults, and to identify the possible relations between clinical and non-clinical predictors with OHRQoL using Wilson and Cleary model.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults attending the out-patient clinics in Khartoum State’s Health Care Centers, Sudan. OHRQoL was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Two modifications of Wilson and Cleary’s conceptual model were tested using structural equations modeling including: oral health status, symptom status, perceived difficulty of chewing, oral health perceptions, and OHRQoL.Results249 older adults participated in the study. Their mean age was 68.24 (± 6.7) years. The mean GOHAI score was 53.96 (± 6.31) and trouble biting/chewing was the most commonly reported negative impact. Wilson and Cleary models showed that pain, Perceived Difficulty Chewing (PDC), and Perceived Oral Health had a direct effect on OHRQoL. In model 1, age and gender had direct effects on oral health status, while education had direct effects on OHRQoL. In model 2, poor oral health status is associated indirectly with poor OHRQoL.ConclusionsThe OHRQoL of the studied Sudanese older adults was relatively good. The study partially confirmed Wilson and Cleary model as Oral Health Status was related directly to PDC and indirectly to OHRQoL through functional status.

Association between self-reported oral health and cognitive function among the community-dwelling elderly in Jinan, China: the mediating effect of life satisfaction.

Deterioration of self-reported oral health and decline in cognitive function are two main adverse health outcomes experienced by the older adults. Little evidence was found on the psychosocial mechanism between self-reported oral health and cognitive function. This study explores the association between self-reported oral health and cognitive function and examines the mediating effect of life satisfaction among the community-dwelling elderly in Jinan, China. A total of 512 older individuals (60+) were included in the study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scale (MMSE), and self-reported oral health was measured using the Chinese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between self-reported oral health, life satisfaction, and cognitive function. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the possible effect of covariates. Structural equation modelling and Bootstrap analyses were conducted to verify the mediating role of life satisfaction. The mean MMSE score was 25.65 ± 4.42. Better self-reported oral health was significantly associated with a higher level of life satisfaction, and those with higher life satisfaction experienced better cognitive function. Age, educational level and source of living expenses were found to be cofounding variables. Life satisfaction partially mediated the effect of self-reported oral health on cognitive function (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.010 to 0.075). The mediating effect of life satisfaction accounted for 24% of the total effect. The level of cognitive function was relatively high. Self-reported oral health was positively associated with cognitive function, and the mediating effect of life satisfaction was proven to exist in the community-dwelling older individuals. Early screening for oral diseases and a greater focus on life satisfaction are recommended.

Malnutrition is associated with increased disease risk in older people in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

There is little research on the nutritional status of older people in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the factors associated with the nutritional status of older people in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. We hypothesized that older people who are at risk of malnutrition are at higher risk of different diseases. This cross-sectional study surveyed 271 people aged ≥60 years from October 2021 to January 2022. We collected data on demographics, body mass index, the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Eating Attitudes Test, and Household Dietary Diversity score. Among the 271 participants, 13.3% were malnourished and 53.9% were at risk of malnutrition. The oral health (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), and eating disorder (P < 0.002) scores were significantly associated with malnutrition. Congestive heart failure, asthma, peripheral vascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and hypertension were more prevalent among malnourished participants-this supports our original hypothesis. The HDD score showed no significant differences between men and women. Malnutrition was associated with overweight or obesity, poor oral health, and depression. Older people in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, had a high risk of malnutrition.

Buccally or Lingually Tilted Implants in the Lateral Atrophic Mandible: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study Focused on Neurosensory Impairment, Soft-Tissue-Related Impaction and Quality of Life Improvement.

Background and Objectives: In the severely resorbed posterior mandible, implant placement requires either bone regenerative procedures, subperiosteal implants or short implant placement with drawbacks including morbidity and increased treatment costs and duration. To overcome these inconveniences, some unconventional alternatives have been suggested, such as buccally or lingually tilted implants in the lateral mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the three-year survival rate of implants inserted in the posterior atrophic mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The assessment was focused on the occurrence of postoperative complications related to neurosensory impairment and soft tissue impaction, as well as overall improvement in quality of life. Materials and Methods: Patients with severe bone atrophy in the lateral area of the mandible were included in the present study. Only the implants tilted either buccally or lingually to bypass the inferior alveolar nerve were analysed. The relation between peri-implant soft tissue and the healing abutment was assessed and a secondary revision surgery was performed when indicated. The Semmes-Weinstein pressure neurological test was used for qualitative assessment of inferior alveolar nerve function and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used for evaluating Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Results: Fourteen implants were placed in nine patients during the evaluation period. Survival rate was 100%, temporary paraesthesia occurred in one patient and a limited definitive paraesthesia was seen in another patient. Mild or significant discomfort related to soft tissue impaction with healing abutment was observed in six out of nine patients. A statistically significant OHRQoL improvement was observed in all patients. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of patients and observation time, insertion of implants buccally or lingually bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve is a predictive treatment option for patients with severe bone atrophy in the posterior mandible.