Assessment of Geriatric Dental Caries, Nutritional Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, particularly in elderly populations where poor dental health can affect nutrition and quality of life. Marginalized groups such as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India face increased risks due to limited healthcare access. This study focused on the Beta Kurumbas and Mullu Kurumbas tribes of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, aiming to assess the dental caries experience, nutritional status and oral health-related quality of life among geriatric individuals in these communities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 575 participants aged 65-74 years using snowball sampling. The Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index measured dental caries experience, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) evaluated nutritional status and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) assessed oral health-related quality of life. Statistical analyses, including Kendall tau correlation, were used to explore relationships among these variables. Results: The mean DMFT score was 18.32±8.12, indicating a high prevalence of tooth loss and untreated dental caries. Nutritional assessment revealed that 62.95% of participants were malnourished, 23.3% were at risk of malnutrition and only 13.73% were classified as normally nourished. GOHAI scores indicated significant psychosocial and functional impacts, with over half of the participants reporting discomfort during eating and difficulty chewing. A strong positive correlation was found between poor oral health (DMFT), malnutrition (MNA) and diminished quality of life (GOHAI). Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve oral health, enhance nutritional support and provide accessible dental care services for these vulnerable tribal populations. Integrating oral healthcare initiatives within primary healthcare frameworks and implementing culturally appropriate awareness programs is essential to addressing these disparities.