Older adults’ perceptions of oral health and its influence on general health: A deductive direct content analysis

Abstract

Oral health is a complex issue associated with social and behavioral factors and general health. Therefore, this study aims to explore Swedish older adults’ perceptions of oral health and its influence on general health, based on the World Dental Federation's (FDI) definition and framework of oral health. The study adopted a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected from semi-structured individual and focus group interviews with older adults ( n = 23) and were analyzed with deductive direct content analysis. The study was evaluated using the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. The older adults described the importance of good oral health in the physical, social, emotional, and mental aspects of their daily lives. The findings also indicate that older adults described oral health as multifaceted and agreed with the FDI's definition and framework of oral health. Therefore, the study findings might provide healthcare professionals with new knowledge and further insight into older adults’ perceptions of oral health and its influence on their well-being and general health.

Relation between Oral Health Care for the Elderly and Their Quality of Life

“…Dental health is often neglected among the elderly because of the numerous comorbidities. Dental health influences quality of life by impacting the general health and the psychological state of the elderly (20) . There is wide evidence that periodontitis is a risk factor for certain systemic diseases and impaired oral health has been associated with mastication and nutritional problems, especially among the elderly with highly negative effects on their quality of life (21) .…”