Association Between Oral Health Literacy and Number of Remaining Teeth Among the Thai Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose Limited oral health literacy is associated with poor oral health status. This study aimed to determine the association between oral health literacy (OHL) and the number of remaining teeth (NRT) among Thailand’s older population. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 at the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals in Panare, Pattani, Thailand. A total of 361 independent-living older adults, male and female, participated in the study. OHL data were obtained using the Thai version of Health Literacy in Dentistry (HeLD‐Th) questionnaire. Trained interviewers performed face-to-face interviews for oral health-related behavior information. The NRT was collected through intraoral examination by a trained examiner. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Mann–Whitney U -tests, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to test associations between OHL and NRT and other potential covariates. All analyses were two-sided with a 95% confidence interval. Results There were significant associations between limited OHL and fewer than 20 remaining teeth (odds ratio [OR]=1.986, P = 0.018), older age (OR=1.743, P = 0.023), and lower educational levels (OR=2.365, P = 0.007). Conclusion The significance of this evidence is that OHL influences NRT among older Thai people who have lower education levels. Therefore, OHL intervention is an essential strategy for better oral health-related behaviors to reduce tooth loss and to improve the oral health status of Thai older adults.

Self-rated oral health among elderly patients attending a university dental hospital in Thailand: a telephone-based cross-sectional survey study

“…Recent studies indicated that, due to age-related decline, physical restrictions, and limited oral health literacy, older Thai adults are less able to control dental plaques and are more likely to have inadequate oral hygiene, poor oral health, and eventually fewer remaining teeth in older ages ( Piyakhunakorn & Sermsuti-Anuwat, 2021a ; Piyakhunakorn & Sermsuti-Anuwat, 2021b ; Sermsuti-Anuwat & Piyakhunakorn, 2021 ).…”

Effect of oral health literacy on self‐reported tooth loss: A multiple mediation analysis

“…However, it may be not an important issue due to this study being persuasive to estimate the mediation effect of OHL on self‐reported tooth loss. Also, there was a positive association between both education and income (one of the SES components) with OHL on tooth loss, according to a recent study 35 . Third, most variables were dichotomized for data analysis, which leads to a loss of rich information and details, and possibly an underestimation of the variation of outcome between groups 36 .…”

“…Also, there was a positive association between both education and income (one of the SES components) with OHL on tooth loss, according to a recent TA B L E 1 Sample characteristics and association with oral health status (number of missing teeth ≥12) (weighted) among Australian adults in 2013-2014 study. 35 Third, most variables were dichotomized for data analysis, which leads to a loss of rich information and details, and possibly an underestimation of the variation of outcome between groups. 36 However, this approach is simple for statistical analysis and easy interpretation of the results.…”

Factors Associated with Self‐reported Oral Health Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in a Rural Province of Thailand

“…2 Older Thais are at a higher risk of age-related health problems, 3 chronic diseases, and noncommunicable diseases, including poor oral health. [4][5][6][7] According to a report from the 8 th Thai National Health Survey in 2017, older Thai adults aged 60-70 years had an average of 18.6 residual teeth, which decreased to 10 among those aged 80-85 years. Older individuals encounter numerous oral hygiene challenges; for example, physical limitations impede plaque control efforts, and chronic diseases may result in a decline in overall well-being.…”

“…Older individuals encounter numerous oral hygiene challenges; for example, physical limitations impede plaque control efforts, and chronic diseases may result in a decline in overall well-being. [5][6][7] Healthcare providers should encourage the development of strategies to maximize oral health and prevent complications. Such strategies, particularly those associated with oral health-related behaviors, may improve oral health among older adults.…”