Background: Loss of teeth is common among residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF). To maintain occlusal support, lost teeth may be replaced with removable dentures.
Objectives: The relationship of occlusal status with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated.
Methods: A cross-sectional FINORAL study (FINnish ORAL Health Studies in older adults), including comprehensive geriatric assessment, was performed in LTCF. Demographic and medical information was retrieved from medical records. HRQoL was assessed with the 15D instrument and nutritional status with Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). A standardised questionnaire filled in by trained nurses collected information on need for assistance in personal care or mobility, eating, and food consistency and swallowing difficulties. Clinical oral examination focusing on occlusal status was conducted for 338 residents. Four study groups (Gr) were established: Gr1 ≥ 10 natural teeth occlusal contact units (CU) (N = 51), Gr2 < 10 natural teeth CU (N = 87), Gr3 having CU of removable denture/s with or without natural teeth (N = 89), and Gr4 no CU (N = 111).
Results: 15D index score (adjusted for age, sex, MNA, and Charlson comorbidity index) showed higher HRQoL in Gr1 and Gr3; Gr1 participants had significantly higher crude values in mobility and Gr3 participants in eating, speech, and mental function than the other groups. Differences were present between the study groups in nutritional status, swallowing difficulties, and need for assistance in eating and mobility.
Conclusion: Occlusal status of partial or complete denture/s with or without natural teeth or natural teeth having 10 or more occlusal CU was associated with higher HRQoL than other statuses.
Keywords: dentition; health-related quality of life; long-term care; nutrition; occlusal units; old adults.
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