Oral health and oral health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: associations with geriatric syndromes in a retrospective study

This study characterises the oral and general health of community-dwelling older adults and examines the relationship between geriatric syndromes, oral health, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The study included 138 patients (mean age 81 years, 73% women) from the MUnich SArcopenia Registry (MUSAR) database, divided into three age groups (< 80, 80–85, > 85 years). Oral health was assessed, for example, with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI), and the Plaque Index (PI). Geriatric parameters included the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), probable sarcopenia, frailty, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). OHRQoL was evaluated using two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Alongside statistical tests comparing age groups, linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between various parameters. Oral health was generally at a moderate level with a mean DMFT of 19.3 ± 6.4, with hardly any variation across age groups. OHRQoL was significantly influenced, among others, by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (β = -0.202, 95%CI -0.313 to -0.092) and MNA (β = -0.594, 95%CI -1.054 to -0.133), whereas frailty was strongly associated with dental health measured by DMFT Index (β = 4.118, 95%CI 1.445 to 6.790). We confirm associations between general and oral health in older individuals. Links between oral and general health in community-dwelling older adults highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognising the factors affecting both health and quality of life enables comprehensive care and may be highly beneficial for older patients.