Sub-Optimal Oral Health, Multimorbidity and Access to Dental Care

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Emerging research on the links between sub-optimal oral health and multimorbidity (MM), or the co-existence of multiple chronic conditions, has raised queries on whether enhancing access to dental care may mitigate the MM burden, especially in older age. Here, we aim to assess the association between sub-optimal oral health and MM and whether access to dental care can mitigate the risk of MM in individuals with sub-optimal oral health. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) (n=44,815, 45-84 years old). Edentulism, self-reported oral health (SROH), and other oral health problems (e.g., toothache, bleeding gums), were each used as indicators of sub-optimal oral health. MM was defined according to the Public Health Agency of Canada as having 2 or more chronic conditions out of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental illnesses. Variables for access to dental care included the number of dental visits within the last year, dental insurance status, and cost barriers to dental care. We constructed multivariable step-wise logistic regression models and interaction terms with 95% confidence intervals and estimated prevalence ratio (PR) to assess the associations of interest, adjusting for a priori determined sociodemographic and behavioural factors. RESULTS Each of the sub-optimal oral health indicators were significantly associated with MM (edentulism PR=1.48, 95%CI 1.31, 1.68; poor SROH PR=1.81, 95%CI 1.62, 2.01; other oral health problems PR = 1.91, 95%CI 1.78, 2.06). The magnitude of this association was exacerbated in individuals who lacked dental insurance, could not afford dental care, and those who reported fewer dental visits within the last year. CONCLUSION The association between sub-optimal oral health and MM may be exacerbated by the lack of access to dental care. Policies aiming to enhance access to dental care may help mitigate the risk of MM.