Relationship between Fried’s frailty phenotype and oral frailty in long-term care residents

Abstract

Abstract Background oral frailty (OFr) may be called a syndrome lacking a consensus on its definition. Objective the aim was to prove the relationship between OFr to the phenotype of frailty, general health and nutrition in long-term care. Design the FINnish ORAL Health Study in Long-Term Care study is a cross-sectional clinical research comprising findings on oral and general health and nutrition. Setting participants were divided into groups according to the number of OFr signs: Group 1 (0–1 sign), Group 2 (2–4 signs) and Group 3 (5–6 signs). Subjects the study includes data on 349 older residents of long-term care facilities in Helsinki, Finland. Methods frailty status was defined according to Fried’s frailty phenotype. OFr was evaluated with six signs: dry mouth, diet of pureed or soft food, residue of food on oral surfaces, unclear speech, inability to keep mouth open during the clinical oral examination and pain expression during the examination. Results a significant linear relationship across the OFr groups with Fried’s frailty phenotype was found (P for linearity = 0.008, adjusted by gender and age). A linear trend existed between OFr groups and general health; prevalence of dementia and malnutrition increased from Group 1 to Group 3. The need for help with eating and oral hygiene procedures increased from Group 1 to Group 3. Moreover, OFr had a linear relationship with chewing and swallowing difficulties. Conclusions OFr is related to Fried’s frailty phenotype, general health, nutrition and need for help with daily activities.