Functional oral status and oral health‐related quality of life in community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives were to investigate the association between oral functional status (defined by the number of functional teeth and functional occluding units [FOUs]) on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). It also aimed to determine if dentures could compensate for the loss of FOUs in terms of OHRQoL in community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore.MethodsCommunity‐dwelling older adults, aged 60 years and above, were recruited from a community‐based oral health functional screening programme from 1 May 2018 to 31 December 2019. During the screening, an Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire and oral examination were administered. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi‐square test, univariate logistic regression and multivariate predictive modelling.ResultsData from 1037 participants were analysed (52% female; mean age 71.5 (SD 7.15)). The mean OHIP‐14 score was 4.5 ± 7.2. The OHIP‐14 scores were significantly associated with the number of functional teeth and the number of FOUs (p < .001). Having at least 20 functional teeth or 10 FOUs was associated with a significantly lower OHIP‐14 score. Those with no FOUs had higher OHIP‐14 scores compared to those with at least 10 FOUs, even in the presence of a satisfactory denture.ConclusionMaintaining at least 20 functional teeth or 10 FOUs was associated with better OHRQoL among community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore. Dentures may have limited compensatory ability in terms of replacing natural functional occlusal units and maintaining OHRQoL.