A cross-sectional study of oral health and oral health-related quality of life among frail elderly persons on admission to a special oral health care programme in Copenhagen City, Denmark

Abstract

Aim: To describe the oral health and the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of citizens in Copenhagen City on admission to a specific oral health-care programme for disabled elderly persons. Further, to analyse how various factors influence the oral health and the OHRQoL among these patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 189 persons (average 85 years) consecutively admitted to a special oral health-care programme. Clinical data and data from interviews comprising social factors, life-style, dental visit habits, oral hygiene practices and self-perceived oral health were collected. A modified index on perceived dysfunction, discomfort and disability due to oral disorders was used.

Results: Sixty-eight per cent had natural teeth, among those 57% had decayed teeth and two out of three wore dentures. Smoking habits influence the number of teeth present and the OHRQoL (p < 0.05) of the patients. Edentulousness, decayed teeth, and presence of dentures did not seem to cause OHRQoL problems, while higher OHRQoL scores (more problems) were reported by those with 1-9 teeth and tooth mobility.

Conclusion: OHRQoL of these patients can be increased by removal of loose teeth and provision of dentures to those with very few teeth rather than focus on traditional caries treatment.