Factors Influencing Self-Rated Oral Health in Elderly People Residing in the Community: Results from the Korea Community Health Survey, 2016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing perceived oral health in elderly individuals residing in the community. Methods: This study used raw data from the Korea community health survey, 2016. Of the 64,223 participants that were elderly (aged ≥ 65 years), 61,280 (95.4%) were included for analysis. Self-rated oral health was the dependent variable and 6 independent variables including age, gender, type of area of residence (metropolitan or provincial), educational level, income, and living status with spouse were assessed. Oral function was studied based on mastication, pronunciation, and use of dentures, and oral health behavior included brushing teeth after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before sleep). The EQ-5D questionnaire measured health-related quality of life (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/ discomfort and anxiety/depression). Results: Among the general characteristics, age, gender, educational level, income, and living status with spouse were the factors that affected self-rated oral health. Mastication, pronunciation, use of dentures, and brushing after lunch, dinner, and before sleep were the factors that influenced self-rated oral function. All domains of the EQ-5D (pain/discomfort, mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/ depression) were factors that affected self-rated oral health. Conclusion: The results of the current investigation suggest that the development of management and education strategies for oral health promotion in the elderly, should focus on improving oral function and oral health behavior, taking into account the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that have been shown to be associated with poor self-rated oral function.

A review about oral health and dental care among the aged population

“…Self-rated oral health is higher in males than in females. (12) Self-reported oral health is definitely affected by general health and socioeconomic status. People with a higher socioeconomic status and higher educational level usually pay more attention to their oral health, resulting in fewer oral problems.…”

“…People with a higher socioeconomic status and higher educational level usually pay more attention to their oral health, resulting in fewer oral problems. (11,12) The number of people retaining their natural teeth to an old age is rapidly growing, and this predictable increase in number will have a considerable effect on the oral health requirements of the older people. (13) Based on the result of a Canadian cross-sectional study, poor oral health is associated with smoking, low income, low social support, low physical training, and lack of dental visits.…”

“…(22) he self-rated oral health of the older people is based on psychological factors, demographic and sociological aspects, oral health behavior, oral function, and physical function. (12) Other instruments to measure the OHRQoL include the Oral Health Assessment Tool (23) and Oral Health Impact Profile. (24) Oral health and general health: Physical and mental disorders, chronic illnesses, and other comorbidities are common in the geriatric population.…”

“…ing to a recent study, the higher the frequency of brushing, the higher the score for happiness. (12) The sanitary system in the nursing homes is insufficient, or the oral health care team does not have adequate knowledge about oral hygiene maintenance. (28) Monthly professional oral care, associated with individual oral health care instructions, may reduce root caries and improve oral hygiene among the nursing home residents.…”

“…(11) Financial problems are the main cause of forgoing of medical care specially dental care among the aged population. (9) Rosa et al (12) suggested that to improve the oral health of the geriatric population, we should enhance home-based interventions or tele-dentistry to increase the accessibility of dental services and promote preventive and minimally invasive treatments. In addition, dental caregivers must be aware of the value of oral health.…”