Affiliation:
1. Clinic of General, Special Care and Geriatric Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
2. Department of Prosthodontics and Materials Science, Gerodontology Section University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
3. Dental office Imhof Laufen Switzerland
4. University Research Priority Program “Dynamics of Healthy Aging”, University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundDue to the heterogeneity of older people, it is difficult to identify reliable factors influencing oral health.ObjectiveThe aim was to illustrate the influence of visual acuity, manual dexterity, and handgrip strength on the oral and denture hygiene ability of older non‐frail people.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, conducted at a specialized dental clinic, at baseline, all participants received professional prophylaxis and instruction on daily oral and denture hygiene regimes for a 6‐week intervention period. Data on the Quigley and Hein modified plaque index (QHI), respectively, the Denture Hygiene Index (DHI), visual acuity, manual dexterity and handgrip strength in non‐frail participants (≥ 65 years) were collected. Recruitment was done within the clinic's patient clientele and within the staff (control cohort).ResultsWomen showed significantly better manual dexterity than men (Mann–Whitney U, p = .01), while women's mean handgrip strength was significantly lower (Mann–Whitney U, p < .01). Manual dexterity (Mann–Whitney U, p = .003) and handgrip strength (Mann–Whitney U, p = .052) were associated with age. However, visual acuity, manual dexterity and handgrip strength had no influence on oral or denture hygiene.ConclusionVisual acuity, manual dexterity and handgrip strength have no influence on oral and denture hygiene ability in older non‐frail people. Further studies should investigate whether these factors also have no influence on oral and denture hygiene in vulnerable older patients. Therefore, an assessment tool for the evaluation of potential influencing factors of oral and denture hygiene is proposed in a dental context. This Gerostomatological Assessment Battery (G‐AB) can be used as a helpful tool to check the individual cognitive function and comprehension, dental therapy approaches and their individual adaption.