Need For Dental Prosthesis Research Articles

Edentulism and the need for dental prostheses in elderly individuals in a long-term care facility.

Edentulism and the need for dental prostheses in elderly individuals in a long-term care facility.

State of Oral Health Dependent on Body Mass Index (BMI) in a Mexican Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity in Mexico is an alarming problem that has been increasing in recent decades. Dietary factors make this pathology more incidents at younger ages and it is closely related to oral health. This study aims to know the association between the need and presence of prosthesis with the type of obesity in a Mexican population in the state of Yucatan. Objectives: This study explores the relationship between obesity and oral health in the adult population of the Yucatan state in Mexico. Methods: The research was carried out in July 2021 in Merida, Yucatán (Mexico). The sample was made up of 114 people, whose ages were between 15 and 81 years old. The data analysis focused on factors such as obesity type, gender distribution, and oral health status. Results: A notable absence of dental prostheses is perceived in over 80% of participants, suggesting a potential impact on mastication and dietary choices. A direct correlation between obesity type and the need for dental prostheses is identified, with a higher prevalence in individuals with higher body mass indices. This underscores the potential interplay between oral health, obesity, and dietary habits. Conclusions: This research contributes to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the importance of optimal oral health in facilitating efficient mastication and digestion. Further studies are needed on the need for preventive measures alongside treatment in promoting oral health awareness within the community

Describiendo la salud oral de los usuarios de warfarina.Una breve comunicación

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-re-ported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Mis-sing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibu-lar (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of partici-pants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively.Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.

Edentuslimo e número de medicações estão associados com estado nutricional em idosos: um estudo transversal de base populacional

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the nutritional status and associated factors among older adults of a southern Brazilian city. Methods: A cross-sectional home-based study, with a probabilistic sample per cluster, was carried out with 282 older adults aged ≥60 years in the city of Veranópolis, Brazil. Through a structured questionnaire, socioeconomic, general and behavioral health aspects were assessed. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MAN®) instrument, categorizing the sample into eutrophic or nutritional risk (risk of malnutrition + malnourished). Oral health was assessed by counting teeth and the use of and need for dental prosthesis. Two independent multivariate models were constructed, using number of daily medication and polypharmacy (≥2 daily medications). Logistic regression was used to verify associations. Results: The prevalence of nutritional risk was 14.5% (N=41). In the final multivariate analysis, users of ≥6 daily medications demonstrated a greater odds ratio (OR) of being at nutritional risk when compared to those who did not use medication daily (OR: 12.16; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.47 – 100.82). Non-edentulous older adults had 67.7% (p = 0.006) lower OR for nutritional risk when compared to edentulous. Conclusion: The prevalence of nutritional risk was low among this sample, and it was associated with edentulism and number of daily medications.

Evaluation of the Need for Dental Prostheses in the Senegalese Population: Review of the Literature

Evaluation of the Need for Dental Prostheses in the Senegalese Population: Review of the Literature

Pattern and Consequences of Non-Replacement of Missing Teeth amongst Edentulous Adults in Ngaoundéré-Cameroon.

Loss of teeth like the loss of any part of the body may affect a patient psychosocially as well as their quality of life. The objective of our study was to determine the consequences of non-replacement of missing teeth among edentulous adults in Ngaoundéré - Cameroon.  This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Ngaoundéré in Northern Cameroon. Data collection was done door-to-door using a questionnaire followed by oral examination.    A total of 15 000 people aged between 15-98 years with a mean age of 42.5 years ±15.5 s.d were recruited for the study.  . A total of 402 people were edentulous and the frequency of partial tooth loss in the community was 4.3% and the total tooth loss was 0.3%, affecting 246 (61.19%) women and 156 (38.81%) men. A third 37.81% had never consulted a dentist due to lack of finances and 86.67% consulted a dentist due to pain. Dental caries 66.43% and periodontal disease 26.89% were the main cause of tooth loss. Two-thirds 67.58% did not know that the absence of a tooth had harmful consequences. Kennedy-Applegate class III was the most represented. Total edentulism was more represented in women with dominance for the upper maxillary arch. The major consequences of tooth loss were mesial drifting 37.23%, extrusion 36.77%, masticatory difficulties (16.18%), epigastric pain 33.66%, and TMJ problems like crepitation 17.15% and pain 7.28%. The consequences of  non-replaced missing teeth were included masticatory dysfunction, poor speech, epigastric pain, mesial drifting, supra eruption, TMJ dysfunction, and poor self-esteem The study showed the low knowledge of the consequences of missing teeth on the part of our study population  Oral health care workers should boost oral health education and awareness of the consequences of tooth loss so as to increase knowledge of the need for dental prostheses and the oral health-seeking behavior of the population.

Uso e necessidade de próteses dentárias em idosos domiciliados: um estudo transversal de base populacional

Abstract Background By the use of complete or partial dental prosthesis, function, esthetics, and phonetics are reestablished. Few population-based studies are available in the literature using an older adult population. Objective Evaluate the use of and need for dental prostheses and their associated factors. Method This study included a random sample of 287 elderly, in the city of Cruz Alta, Brazil. Use of and need for dental prostheses were the main outcomes, and two analytical models were constructed. Subgroup analyses were performed for individuals using fixed partial denture (FPD) and removable (partial and/or complete) dental prosthesis (RDP). Results Use of and need for dental prosthesis were identified in 83.6% (n=240) and 42.5% (n=122) of the elderly, respectively. Women presented a significantly higher prevalence ratio (PR) for use of dental prostheses (PR=1.15; 95%IC:1.02–1.28) and lower need (PR=0.70; 95%IC:0.54–0.91). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for the use of FPD regarding the sex. Higher education level was associated with lower use of prostheses (PR=0.73; 95%IC:0.58–0.91) when compared to lower level of education. Medium level of education showed a significantly lower need for dental prostheses (PR=0.61 – 95%IC:0.39–0.94). Those that did not consume alcohol presented with a significantly lower use of FPD and RDP (PR=0.46; 95%IC:0.23–0.93 and 0.90;0.81–0.99, respectively). Conclusion The use of and need for dental prostheses were associated with sex, level of education, and behavioral factors.

Self-reported halitosis and associated factors among older adults: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPopulation-based studies assessing the prevalence and associated factors of halitosis among older adults are scarce. ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of self-reported halitosis and associated factors among older adults. Methodology: Individuals aged ≥60 years were included. The main outcome was self-reported halitosis. Exposure variables were age, sex, skin color, level of education, marital status, presence of systemic health problems, use of medication, smoking exposure, alcohol exposure, access to dental care, toothbrush frequency, use of dental floss, number of present teeth, use of and need for dental prosthesis. Associations between the outcome and independent variables were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance (p < 0.05). ResultsA total of 569 older adults were included, of which 35.5% (n = 202) self-reported halitosis. In the final multivariate model, higher age (prevalence ratio [PR]:0.967; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:0.946–0.988) and level of education (PR:0.673; 95%CI:0.469–0.967 and PR:0.635; 95%CI:0.414–0.973 for medium and high level of education, respectively, compared to low level) were associated with halitosis. Conversely, no access to dental care (PR:1.322; 95%CI:1.044–1.676) and a higher number of teeth present (PR:1.023; 95%CI:1.009–1.037) were associated with a higher occurrence of self-reported halitosis. ConclusionA high prevalence of self-reported halitosis was detected among older adults and was associated with lower age, lower level of education, no access to the dentist and higher number of teeth present.

Agreement between self-rated denture condition and clinical examination in older adults.

This study aimed to compare differences between complete denture conditions self-rated by older adult wearers and clinically exanimated by a professional based on standardised aesthetics and functional criteria. Complete denture clinical examination was based on the functional (stability, retention, occlusion and articulation, vertical dimension of occlusion) and aesthetics criteria. Data on self-rated complete denture conditions were measured using the Patient's Denture Assessment (PDA) questionnaire based on standardised aesthetic and functional criteria (n=122). Prevalence rates of clinical and self-rated complete denture condition, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and absolute and relative bias were calculated. The highest sensitivity (66.7% [95% CI 55.3-76.7]) was obtained for aesthetic criterion, whereas occlusion revealed the lowest sensitivity (14.9% [95% CI 6.2-28.3]). Stability had the highest specificity (91.3% [95% CI 72.0-98.9]) and aesthetics the lowest (21.4% [95% CI 8.3-41.0]). Stability also yielded the highest positive predictive value (83.3% [95% CI 51.6-97.9]), and vertical dimension of occlusion the lowest (26.3% [95% CI 9.1-51.2]). The vertical dimension of occlusion yielded the highest negative predictive value (71.2% [95% CI 58.7-81.7]). Self-rated data underestimated the complete denture condition in 6.5% compared with clinical examinations when the aesthetic criterion was excluded from the analysis and 7.6% when added. Older adult wearers better identified the condition of their complete denture when the aesthetic criterion was excluded from examination. In contrast, considering functional criteria (retention, stability, occlusion and vertical dimension of occlusion), self-rated complete denture conditions underestimated clinical examination. Using standardised aesthetic criteria in epidemiological studies for assessing complete denture conditions self-rated by wearers could avoid underestimating or overestimating the information regarding the use or need for dental prostheses.

Self-perception of oral health among tertiary-care users: quanti-qualitative analysis with chronic kidney disease patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global public health challenge. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between self-perception of oral health and clinical condition among patients with CKD. This is a quanti-qualitative survey conducted in a CKD specialized service. The sample consisted of 60 patients who underwent oral examinations to have their severity of caries (DMFT) and need for dental prosthesis checked. Age, sex, time on dialysis, marital status, skin color, education and pre-existing diseases were also analyzed. Among the kidney patients who agreed to undergo the clinical examinations and showed communication skills, some were selected, and three focus groups were created, with the participation of a moderator and six to 10 kidney patients in each group. Their speeches were processed in the IRAMUTEQ software and analyzed through the similarity analysis and word cloud techniques. As for profile, the patients were aged 60.23 ± 10.87 years old; were male (73.33%); were on dialysis for 41.90 ± 56.57 months; were married (61.67%); were white (76.67%); had incomplete primary education (41.66%); had arterial hypertension (76.67%); had a DMFT index of 22.55 ± 8.39; 43.33% needed an upper complete denture; and 30.00% needed a lower complete denture. The similarity analysis revealed many doubts and uncertainties about current health services, which can be proven by the words ‘no’ and ‘treatment’. The quanti-qualitative analysis showed a high rate of dental loss and the need for complete dentures and suggests inequities in oral health care for chronic kidney disease patients, especially in tertiary care. There was a positive representation regarding oral health, but the lexicographical analyses of the textual corpus confirmed the self-perception of lack of dental care.

Self-Declared Oral Health Conditions and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of the Brazilian Homeless Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To associate the impact of oral health-related quality of life with socio-demographic determinants, self-perception, oral health conditions and access to dental treatment among homeless adults. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a medium-sized Brazilian city in Minas Gerais. Socio-demographic data on the use of dental services and access to hygiene supplies for oral health were collected. Clinical aspects were collected by clinical observation using the Community Oral Health Indicator and oral health-related quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Medians and interquartile distance were compared using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Multiple linear regression included significant variables (p<0.05) of the bivariate analysis according to each OHIP-14 domain. Results: Women had the lowest scores for the physical and social disability domains. Oral health conditions were associated with physical and psychological limitations and disability. The presence of more teeth was associated with a negative impact on the functional and physical domains, and inflamed gums, lack of need for dental prosthesis, and use of private services were associated with a greater psychological disability. Conclusion: Oral health-related quality of life of the homeless population is affected, especially in the physical and psychological aspects. Equitable and inclusive health actions aimed at this population should include oral health.

Influence of socioeconomic status on oral disease burden: a population-based study

BackgroundDental caries is associated with Biological, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors; however, socioeconomic status is a distal determinant of dental caries development that modulates exposure to risk and protective factors. This study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic factors associated with the concentration of oral diseases in a population-based study in Brazil.MethodsThis is a quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the SB São Paulo 2015 epidemiological survey. A total of 17,560 subjects were included. The concentration of oral disease in the population was estimated by the oral disease burden (ODB) variable. The ODB consists of four components: dental caries; tooth loss; need for dental prosthesis and periodontal condition. Thus, the total score on the ODB could vary between 0 and 4, with the highest score indicating the worst possible situation. ODB was analyzed in multivariate negative binomial regression, and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The following factors were included as independent variables: age group, skin color, socioeconomic factors, family income and Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP).ResultsIn the sample, 86.9% had no minimum ODP component. Negative multivariate binomial regression showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.005) between ODB and all variables analyzed (skin color, family income, education, OIDP results and age range). The adjusted multivariate binary logistic regression showed that the individuals most likely to have at least one component of ODB were nonwhite (25.5%), had a family income of up to R$ 1500.00/month (19.6%), had only completed primary education (19.1%), and reported that their oral health had an impact on their daily activities (57.6%). Older adults individuals were two times more likely than adolescents to have an ODB component.ConclusionsODB is associated with factors related to social inequality. Adults and older adults individuals had the highest cumulative number of ODB components.

Epidemiology of oral candidiasis: a household-based population survey in a medium-sized city in Amazonas

There was an increase in the number of elderly people in Brazil and, along with this fact, there was an increase in the incidence of oral candidiasis in this population, so the early identification of the disease and the etiologic agent for effective intervention is essential. The study aimed to describe the prevalence of oral candidiasis and its clinical manifestations, identifying Candida yeast species and their prevalence in the palatine mucosa and dentures in the palatine mucosa and dentures, comparing these factors in rural and urban elderly people in this city. The study was conducted in the city of Tefé, Amazonas, with elderly people aged 65 to 74 years old registered in primary health care services in urban and rural areas, where through sample calculation we had a total sample of 484 elderly people after losses and refusals. These elderly people were randomly selected from within the entire public service network, which enabled the samples to be collected in all municipal Basic Health Units. Data collection included clinical oral examinations (use, duration, and need for dental prosthesis) and collection of biological material with swabs, which were stored in CHROMAgar™ Candida medium, during home visits to determine the prevalence of the species through staining and colony morphology. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata MP software, using relative and absolute frequencies. The prevalence of oral candidiasis was found in 20.7% of the elderly in the different areas of residence studied. A greater number of cases and clinical manifestations of the disease were found in elderly people living in urban areas (p &lt; 0.05). The odds ratios for developing the disease were higher in women, edentulous elderly, and users of dental prostheses. Candida albicans species were prevalent in infection and colonization of prostheses, while oral colonization showed similar percentages among Candida non-albicans (p = 0.657). As for the prevalence of species about the studied area of ​​residence, Candida albicans prevailed in the urban area and Candida non-albicans in the rural area (p &lt;0.05). In conclusion, this study identified a high prevalence of oral candidiasis in elderly participants in the research, who were mainly infected with Candida albicans species, but when comparing the living areas of the elderly, those living in the urban area had more prevalent colonization in the area. urban and Candida non-albicans in the rural area, therefore, species differentiation was found regarding the place where the elderly person lives.

Oral health condition and development of frailty over a 12-month period in community\u2010dwelling older adults

BackgroundTo determine the association between oral health condition and development of frailty over a 12-month period in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsPopulation-based, case-cohort study derived from the Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults (COSFOMA) study, including data from years 2015 and 2016. Using latent class analysis, we determined the oral health condition of older adults with teeth (t0), i.e., functional teeth, presence of coronal caries, root caries, periodontal disease, dental calculus, dental biofilm, root remains, xerostomia, and need for dental prosthesis. Edentulous was considered as a separate class. Criteria of the Frailty Phenotype (t1) by Fried et al. were used: weight loss, self-report of exhaustion, walking speed, decreased muscle strength, and low physical activity. The presence of three or more criteria indicated a frail condition. The strength of the association (odds ratio, OR) between oral health condition and development of frailty was estimated through bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the other variables of study: sociodemographic data (sex, age, marital status, level of education, paid work activity, and living alone), comorbidities, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, and use of oral health services.Results663 non-frail older adults were evaluated, with a mean age of 68.1 years (SD ± 6.1), of whom 55.7% were women. In t0, a three-class model with an acceptable value was obtained (entropy = 0.796). The study participants were classified as: edentulous persons (6.9%); Class 1 = Acceptable oral health (57.9%); Class 2 = Somewhat acceptable oral health (13.9%); and Class 3 = Poor oral health (21.3%). In t1, 18.0% (n = 97) of participants developed frailty. Using Acceptable oral health (Class 1) as a reference, we observed that older adults with edentulism (OR 4.1, OR adjusted 2.3) and Poor oral health (OR 2.4, OR adjusted 2.2) were at an increased risk of developing frailty compared to those with Acceptable oral health.ConclusionOlder adults with edentulism and poor oral health had an increased risk of developing frailty over a 12-month period.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Anticoagulated Patients with Warfarin Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To evaluate factors associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients under oral anticoagulant therapy with warfarin, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-reported periodontal disease, demographic variables, and OHRQoL using the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) instrument. After calibration (Kappa > 0.60), an examiner evaluated patients’ experience with dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the rate ratios (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The OHIP-14 mean was 10.62 (SD = 10.92). A higher OHIP-14 total score (worse OHRQoL) was associated with ethnic group, age, periodontal disease self-report, dental caries, and oral health self-report. Demographic and clinical factors can negatively influence the perception of anticoagulated patients on OHRQoL.

What variables are associated with use of and need for dental prosthesis? A cross-sectional study.

Population-based studies assessing the factors associated with use of and need for dental prosthesis among older adults are scarce. To evaluate the use of and need for dental prosthesis and associated factors in the older adult population of a southern city of Brazil. A cross-sectional study, involving community-dwelling older adults (≥60years), was performed. A probabilistic per cluster sampling was used, and 282 participants from Veranópolis, Brazil, were included. A clinical oral health examination was performed, and a structured questionnaire was applied. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to verify associations using Poisson regression with robust variance. The prevalence of use of dental prosthesis was 87.2% (n=246), while the prevalence of need for dental prosthesis was 27% (n=76). Older adults with medium/high levels of education had 17.8% (P=.019) lower prevalence ratio (PR) for use of dental prosthesis. Unmarried and retired older adults had, respectively, 11.1% (PR:1.111; 95%CI:1.022-1.207) and 19.5% (PR:1.195; 95%CI:1.009-1.415) higher PR for use of prosthesis. Those without access to dental care had 11.8% (P=.012) higher PR for use of dental prosthesis. Older adults living in rural areas had 64.7% (PR:1.647; 95%CI:1.079-2.514) higher PR of need for dental prosthesis. High and low prevalence of use of and need for dental prosthesis, respectively, were detected in this sample. Level of education, marital status, retirement status and access to dental care were associated with the use of dental prostheses. However, only residence area was associated with the need for oral rehabilitation.

Use and need of removable dental prostheses in an institutionalized Brazilian elderly population: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the use and need of conventional removable prostheses (total and partial) and their associated factors among institutionalized elders. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1003 elderly people living in non-profit private long-term care institutions in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Inclusion criteria required a minimum Mini Mental State of Examination (MMSE) score of 21. After the test, 191 individuals were included. Oral examination and interviews were conducted to identify participants' use (throughout the day/every day) and need (do not have/have but do not use) of removable dental prostheses. Socioeconomic health indicators and behaviours were collected from institutional records and via interviews. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test (p<0.05). Poisson regression with robust variance was used in multivariate analysis. Most elders were female (76.4%) and independent in their daily activities (56.5%). Elderly men (PR 1.26) and those whose dental visit was more than one year ago (PR 1.38) showed higher need of dental prostheses. Elderly women (PR 1.68) and individuals with morbidities (PR 1.33) had higher prostheses use. This study demonstrates how socio-demographic characteristics, health indicators, and oral health services impact the use and need of dental prostheses among elders and how these can contribute to public oral health policy development.

Normative and subjective need for dental prosthesis: accuracy and agreement in a population based-study.

The aim of our study was to compare normative need for dental prosthesis (estimated by dentists) with subjective need (self-reported) by testing the accuracy and agreement and comparing direction and magnitude of associations with independent variables using both as outcomes. A representative sample of a birth cohort study (n = 900) was assessed at 31 years of age. Subjective need was obtained from questionnaire. Both normative and subjective need variables were dichotomized in (a) individuals with need for dental prosthesis and (b) without need for dental prosthesis. Accuracy was assessed by sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values. Agreement of normative and subjective need was assessed estimating kappa index. Sex, income, educational level, use of dental services and self-reported oral health were used to compare the associations with normative and subjective need. Prevalence of normative need was 48.9% and subjective need was 34.9%. Agreement (kappa: 0.43) and accuracy between normative and subjective need for dental prosthesis was low (SE: 56.5, 95%CI: 50.3-62.6; SP: 85.8, 95%CI: 81.1-89.7; PPV: 79.1, 95%CI: 72.6-84.7; NPV: 67.3, 95%CI: 62.1-72.2). When considering individuals with loss in anterior teeth, results showed a good agreement (kappa: 0.82) and accuracy between normative and subjective need (SE: 93.3, 95%CI: 68.1-99.8; SP: 88.9, 95%CI: 51.8-99.7; PPV: 93.3, 95%CI: 68.1-99.8; NPV: 88.9, 95%CI: 51.8-99.7). Direction and magnitude of associations with normative and subjective need were similar. Thus, normative need for dental prosthesis differs from subjective need in adults, except when anterior losses are present.

Rural-urban differences in oral health among older people in Southern Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the association between oral health and rurality in an older Brazilian population. Population-based samples of 1,451 urban and 411 rural elders were obtained from two databases. Several oral health and related measures, including the number of teeth lost, use of dental prostheses, dental visits, self-reported oral health, and perceived need for a dental prosthesis, were compared. Oral health-related information was obtained by a trained research team with interviews conducted in the individuals' homes. Regression models were used to verify the association between living in rural areas and oral health outcomes after adjusting for possible confounding factors. The elderly population mostly comprised of women in rural or urban areas, and the mean age was 70 years in both locations. Less-educated individuals (without or with complete elementary schooling) were more common in rural regions than in urban areas. After adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics, living in rural areas was associated with a lower perceived need for dental prostheses (PR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.84), poor self-reported oral health (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.05-1.46), and having fewer teeth (β -1.31; 95% CI -2.18 to -0.45). The place of residence had a significant impact on oral health indicators, with rurality negatively influencing oral health. These findings suggest that preventive and curative strategies for dental services may be needed for the Brazilian rural population.

Impact of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and quality of life of institutionalized elderly.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the influence of oral health on nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health related quality of life of institutionalized elders. Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 193 institutionalized elders living in the metropolitan region of João Pessoa (Brazil). The independent variables included were: 1) caries experience (DMFT index and its components); 2) use and need of dental prostheses; and 3) type of edentulism. The dependent variables included were related to nutritional status, self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life. Data were submitted to a descriptive and comparative analysis, through correlation, association and difference tests, considering a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). ResultsNo statistical significant correlations or associations between the oral health status and nutritional status and quality of life were found (p>0.05). Individuals who did not need prosthesis had higher scores for nutritional status. Self-perception of oral health and health-related quality of life did not vary significantly according to the studied variables. ConclusionsThe oral health status has a limited impact on the nutritional status, and does not impact the self-perception of oral health and quality of life of the institutionalized elders. Key words:Nursing homes, oral health, quality of life.