Oral health factors related to the quality of life in elderly urban residents of South-West Poland

Abstract BackgroundThe process of human body ageing is an inevitable phenomenon affecting all organs. Hence, the concept of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) was introduced, based on the definition of health developed by WHO. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of selected oral health parameters on oral health-related quality of life in elderly residents of South-West Poland.MethodsThe study involved 500 participants who were the citizens of South-West Poland aged 65 and more. There was an oral examination performed, including the assessment of coronal and root caries, periodontal disease, dental prosthetic status and xerostomia. The impact of oral health-related quality of life was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Furthermore, socio-demographic questionnaires were obtained from participants. Logistic bivariate and multivariate regression analyses of dependent variables and independent variables were carried out as part of the study. ResultsThe mean value of DMFT was 27.5 ± 5.0. A higher number of DMF and extracted teeth resulted in increased values in all seven domains and exhibited a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Moreover, it enabled predicting values in individual domains of the OHIP-14 scale.ConclusionsThe number of missing teeth and teeth with caries constituted the predictors of poorer Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in all domains of the OHIP-14 scale. The impact of gingival bleeding on the quality of life was demonstrated. There was a decrease in the oral health-related quality of life in single individuals with several comorbidities and medications taken.