Oral Health Status and Oral Health Related Quality of Life of Elderly Patients in Geriatric Clinic

Oral Health Status of Elderly Patients

Abstract

A Multidisciplinary team of Geriatric clinic Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital provides care services for frailty, underlying disease with complications and polypharmacy in the elderly. This study aimed to explore the oral health status and oral health-related quality of life of those who attended the Geriatric Clinic during July to September 2023. Data collection was performed in 100 Elderly patients by interviewing general information and oral impacts on daily performances index: OIDP and oral examination. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results indicated that most participants were females (63%). Hypertension was the most common systemic disease (76%). Most participants had fewer than 20 remaining teeths (75%). Some participants had less than four posterior occluding pairs (34%), edentulous (33%), 15% of participants were edentulous with no dental substitution. Dental substitution needs evaluated by dentists and themselves were 59% and 31% respectively. The prevalence of oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP > 0) was 63 %. The most common performances affected in eating, cleansing teeth or denture and smiling were 58%, 17% and 11% respectively. Thus, elderly patients in the Geriatric Clinic have oral health status that impacts oral health-related quality of life, especially masticatory function. Dental substitution in elderly patients is required.