Geriatric Oral Health Research Articles

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 >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 >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 < 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 < 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.

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.

The association between oral health and mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults.

Older adults with cognitive impairment can experience poor oral health due to reduced self-care ability, yet the impact of various oral health indicators on the cognitive ability remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between oral health indicators and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. A cross-sectional study of 234 older adults aged 65 years or over was performed form January to March 2023 at health screening departments of hospitals. This study used the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Hachinski Ischemic Score (HIS) to measure MCI. Two qualified dentists performed clinical oral examinations (number of teeth lost, dental caries, removable dentures, periodontitis). The other oral health status was measured by subjective assessment questionnaires, and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed by Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Of the 234 older adults, 166 had MCI and 68 had normal cognitive ability. The univariate analyses revealed that older adults with poor oral health indicators of dental caries, mastication ability, oral and maxillofacial pain, self-perceived oral health status and OHRQoL had lower cognitive levels. The stepwise logistic regression analysis observed that higher education level (OR = 0.06, 95%CI = 0.007, 0.567) and OHRQoL score (OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.878, 0.963) were negatively associated with the presence of MCI. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of MCI was 0.675 (95% CI: 0.600, 0.749) with a low sensitivity of 41.6% and a moderate specificity of 86.8%. OHRQoL was found to be associated with MCI, implying that OHRQoL may be important in cognitive decline. The GOHAI scale can be used to more easily assess the oral health of older adults, which is important for the timely detection of poor oral status to delay cognitive decline.

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.

Masticatory performance, self-perception of oral health, oral health-related quality of life and nutritional status of completely edentulous elderly patients submitted to different rehabilitation treatments: A cross-sectional study.

The impact of treatments on completely edentulous individuals on masticatory performance (MP), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), nutritional status (NS) and socio-economic profile (SP) is unclear in the literature. To compare the MP, OHRQoL, NS and SP of totally edentulous elderly users of bimaxillary complete dentures (CD) and users of lower implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCD). Forty participants were allocated into groups according to rehabilitation treatment (n = 20): bimaxillary CD (G1) and lower IFCD, and upper CD (G2). The evaluation of MP used almonds by the method of sieves. Four questionnaires (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index-GOHAI and Oral Health Impact Profile Edent-OHIP-Edent, Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria-ABEP and Mini Nutritional Assessment-MNA) were applied to assess the OHRQoL, SP and NS of the elderly, respectively. After evaluating the statistical assumptions, the Mann-Whitney (α = .05) test was applied to compare the groups regarding MP, OHRQoL, NS and SP. Spearman's correlation (α = .05) was performed to verify the correlation between the MP, the OHRQoL and the NS of the participants. G2 showed better MP (p < .05) in all masticatory cycles, OHRQoL (p < .05) and NS than the G1. However, the participants' self-perception of oral health did not differ between groups (p < .05). A moderate negative correlation was found between MP and OHRQoL for 40 masticatory cycles (r2 = -0.513; p = .001). Individuals rehabilitated with IFCD had a higher average monthly family income and achieved superior behaviour in MP and OHRQoL, in addition to lower risks of malnutrition when compared to individuals using bimaxillary CD.

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.

ORAL HEALTH: THE MOST UNMET HEALTH CARE NEED FOR MEDICALLY VULNERABLE ELDERLY WITH OR WITHOUT DEMENTIA

Abstract Individuals aged 65 and older are living longer with multiple chronic conditions, leading to a larger population of medically vulnerable elderly with or without dementia. Consequently, only an interdisciplinary health system can meet the comprehensive health needs for older adults. Historically, Oral Health (OH) is the most unmet need in healthcare, particularly in older adults. This is due to several barriers including Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC). Therefore, there is a growing gap between OH and overall health. We conducted two studies in the past 4 years. The first study included pre-doctorate healthcare students (Medical, Nursing, Dental and Pharmacy) evaluating their IPE during their educational training and the influence of their education later as practitioners. The result of this study revealed an unsatisfactory IPE that would lead to minimum or no interdisciplinary collaboration. The second study (2019 to 2022) included dental residents in a one year post graduate program “Advanced Education in General Dentistry” (AEGD). In each year we collected a survey at the beginning of the residency program asking the level of comfort treating medically vulnerable elderly as a provider in a health team. We then exposed them to a comprehensive geriatric oral health both didactics and clinical skills. The same survey was again conducted at the end of the residency. The study revealed adequate training increased the level of residents’ ability to provide care within a health team. Interdisciplinary health services require interdisciplinary educational training to close the gap between oral health and overall health.

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.

How dentists in Egypt perceive their knowledge, attitudes, and barriers they face in providing oral healthcare to geriatric patients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundGeriatric dentistry is an understudied area in dental schools in Egypt. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Egyptian dentists regarding geriatric oral health and identify barriers to delivering dental care to geriatric patients.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous online cross-sectional study in November and December 2022, targeting dentists with varying levels of experience working in different Egyptian institutions. A 30-item questionnaire assessed the respondent’s views on geriatric oral health, perceived knowledge, attitudes, and barriers. The Google form was distributed through emails and commonly used social media platforms.ResultsA total of 421 dentists responded to this online questionnaire. Of the respondents, 44.9% were male, 45.0% were between 20 and 29 years old, and 31.5% worked in more than one dental setting. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex negatively affected attitude β = -1.72 [95%CI,-2.43 – -1.11]. The proportion of older patients who visited the respondents’ clinics per day (11–30%) and more than 30% increased perceived knowledge [β = 1.01 (95%CI, 0.41 –1.62), β = 1.50 (95%CI, 0.71–2.22)] and attitude [β = 0.70 (95%CI, 0.06–1.40), β = 0.73 (95%, 0.13–1.61)] while decreased the perceived barriers [β = -1.10 (95%CI, -1.91 – -0.32)] respectively. On the other hand, years of experience increased perceived knowledge only after 5–10 years [β = 1.02 (95%CI, 0.04–2.10)] and after more than 10 years [β = 1.30 (95%CI, 0.21–2.70)]. Governmental work only increased perceived barriers [β = 1.33 (95%CI, 0.10–2.54)], while living in the middle and west delta decreased perceived barriers [β = -0.91 (95%CI, -2.12 – -0.01 and β = -1.33, (95%CI, -2.22 – -0.40) respectively].ConclusionsOur study highlights the need to improve the knowledge and attitudes of young dentists towards geriatric dentistry. Furthermore, working conditions in dental facilities, particularly in the government sector and Upper Egypt, need to be improved to reduce barriers to delivering dental care to geriatric patients.

Geriatric Oral Health Research: Research Designs and Areas of Research

Geriatric Oral Health Research: Research Designs and Areas of Research

Linking current dental education to gerontological education to meet the oral health needs of growing aging populations.

This study aimed to recognize the gaps in dental education by studying the current level of geriatric oral health training of recent graduated dentists who have been admitted into an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. The AEGD program was developed along with the Age-Friendly 4Ms model to enhance current dental education. We adopted the Rapid Cycle Quality Improvement model to test the effectiveness of the training for AEGD residents from 2019 to 2022. A total of 18 residents participated (6 residents each year). A 5-question survey was administered before and after the rotation and Wilcoxon signed-rank with Fisher Exact tests were conducted to compare pre- and post- rotation results. All 18 residents have completed pre- and post-program surveys. They self-reported minimal to no training in preparation to provide care to older adults with multiple chronic conditions. After the rotation, residents' confidence in treating older adults was significantly increased (p = 0.011). Meanwhile, residents gained knowledge to apply the 4Ms framework (what matters, medication, mentation, and mobility) to their practices (p = 0.015) and provide age-friendly care for older adults. The study identified and addressed the missing link in dental education to gerontological and geriatrics education. More clinical rotations and didactic training to equip residents with competences of providing geriatric oral health are strongly recommended.

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.

Development and initial validation of the Comprehensive Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Tool.

Improving the oral health of the elderly is crucial to improving their general health and quality of life. To reach this goal, it is necessary to start with a comprehensive oral health assessment and a detailed treatment plan. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop a comprehensive Oral Health Assessment Tool for the geriatric population. Following a panel of experts' consultation, a clinical form and a self-assessment questionnaire were developed, encompassing eight domains: dental caries, periodontal diseases, partial and complete edentulism, oral soft tissue lesions, occlusion, xerostomia, temporomandibular joints, and oral or oral prostheses hygiene. Subsequently, a pilot study was conducted to appraise the clinical form and questionnaire involving 84 residents of an Iranian nursing home. After securing ethics approval, both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the self-assessment questions' validity and reliability were assessed, and specificity and sensitivity were calculated. The mean age of the participants was 69.8 (±4.1) years, and 86% had less than 12 years of education. The questions regarding the number of remaining teeth and the number of decayed teeth had the highest sensitivity (97% and 88%), respectively. Questions regarding the presence of periodontitis and gingivitis had the highest specificity (both 100%). A Comprehensive Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Toolhas been developed and its validity and reliability evaluated in a pilot study. It should now be further evaluated in larger studies.

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.

Using machine learning to study the association of sociodemographic indicators, biomarkers, and oral condition in older adults in Colombia

BackgroundChronic health conditions and socioeconomic problems that affect the well-being and life expectancy of older adults are common. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic variables, oral conditions, and general health and the biomarkers of older adults using machine learning (ML). MethodsA total of 15,068 surveys from the national study of Health, Well-Being and Aging (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) data set were used for this secondary analysis. Of these, 3,128 people provided blood samples for the analysis of blood biomarkers. Sociodemographic, oral health, and general health variables were analyzed using ML and logistic regression. ResultsThe results of clustering analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with poor oral condition, lower socioeconomic status, being female, and low education. The self-perception of oral health in older adults was not associated with the presence of teeth, blood biomarkers, or socioeconomic variables. However, the necessity of replacing a dental prosthesis was associated with the lowest self-perception of oral health. Edentulism was associated with being female, increased age, and smoking. ConclusionsSocioeconomic and educational disparities, sex, and smoking are important factors for tooth loss and suboptimal blood biomarkers in older adults. ML is a powerful tool for identifying potential variables that may aid in the prevention of systemic and oral diseases in older adults, which would improve geriatric dentistry. Practical ImplicationsThese findings can help the academic community identify critical sociodemographic and clinical factors that influence the process of healthy aging and serve as a useful guide to enhance health care policies and geriatric oral health care services.

Providing Oral Healthcare to Older Patients-Do We Have What It Takes?

Over the past decades, there has been an increase in the number of natural teeth that are maintained into older age, and this has represented an increase in the need for more complex dental treatment for this population. A trained workforce is needed in order to provide dental care to the different groups of elderly. Currently, the undergraduate training in gerodontology offered by dental schools seems to be limited, with great variation among dental schools worldwide. Given the heterogeneity of elderly groups, it is unlikely that new graduates from dental schools can be deemed competent to deal with the different groups of elderly. In this article, barriers to oral healthcare's provision to older adults are discussed, including the lack of appropriately trained dental professionals. Training pathways are discussed, including the preparation of undergraduate education to provide a suitable foundation to be developed further in postgraduate education. It is also proposed that older adults are classified according to their dependency level and each level is managed by properly trained dental professionals. In order to upskill general dental practitioners to care for these patients, postgraduate certification programmes could be structured to provide additional training. Furthermore, the development of geriatric oral health educational programmes for non-dental healthcare workers is recommended.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Institutionalized and Non-institutionalized Elderly Individuals

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the quality of life of institutionalized elderly individuals (MB group) and non-institutionalized elderly individuals (CLIN group), and to compare these results with the results of dental indices. Study Design Elderly women and men aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Anthropometric and cardiac measurements were performed. A questionnaire related to geriatric oral health (GOHAI) and the SF-36, which addresses quality of life, were administered. Results The Mann-Whitney t test was used to perform the statistical analyses (α < 0.05). no statistically significant differences were found in the domains of the GOHAI. Despite the intensive care provided by the institution, self-perceived quality of life, in the physical aspect, was more pronounced in noninstitutionalized participants. Conclusions The participants presented similar overall oral health conditions. The institutionalized participants showed a higher salivary flow. Non-institutionalized participants showed higher salivary cortisol levels. Halitosis proved to be similar. The participants in both groups predominantly used total maxillary prostheses, but those in the non-institutionalized group used more partial mandibular prostheses. No differences were found in self-perceived health among the participants. The non-institutionalized participants presented better physical health; however, mental health was similar between the two groups. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the quality of life of institutionalized elderly individuals (MB group) and non-institutionalized elderly individuals (CLIN group), and to compare these results with the results of dental indices. Elderly women and men aged 60 years or older were evaluated. Anthropometric and cardiac measurements were performed. A questionnaire related to geriatric oral health (GOHAI) and the SF-36, which addresses quality of life, were administered. The Mann-Whitney t test was used to perform the statistical analyses (α < 0.05). no statistically significant differences were found in the domains of the GOHAI. Despite the intensive care provided by the institution, self-perceived quality of life, in the physical aspect, was more pronounced in noninstitutionalized participants. The participants presented similar overall oral health conditions. The institutionalized participants showed a higher salivary flow. Non-institutionalized participants showed higher salivary cortisol levels. Halitosis proved to be similar. The participants in both groups predominantly used total maxillary prostheses, but those in the non-institutionalized group used more partial mandibular prostheses. No differences were found in self-perceived health among the participants. The non-institutionalized participants presented better physical health; however, mental health was similar between the two groups.

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.