Tooth retention predicts good physical performance in older adults

Abstract

Background Oral health is closely related to both physical and psychological well-being, as it enables individuals to eat, speak, and socialize. The number of teeth is the most used indicator of oral health. Several reports document a relationship of dental status with a variety of indicators of general health but longitudinal studies employing standardized physical performance tests are infrequent in the scientific literature. Subjects and methods The Italian elderly participating in the Pro.V.A. longitudinal Study (3099 subjects aged 65+ at baseline, 2196 at the 5-year follow-up 1 and 1641 at the 7-year follow- up 2) underwent detailed interview and extensive clinical and instrumental examination that included validated physical performance measures. Participants were classified into 4 groups according to the number of remaining teeth: 0, 1–7, 8–19, and 20+. To explore the association of the number of remaining teeth with physical function and disability, we performed logistic regression analyses with models progressively adjusted for a wide number of covariates, namely anthropometric (gender, age, BMI), comorbidity (cardio-vascular, osteoarticular, and neurological diseases including depression), muscle strength (assessed for upper and lower limbs), lifestyle (smoking status, alcohol use, leisure time activities) and socioeconomical status (education, income, marital status, loneliness). Results Dental status correlated with most comorbidities, lifestyle, and socio-economic variables at the univariate analysis at baseline and at follow-ups. A good dental status was significantly associated with better physical functioning and lower disability. The presence of 20+ teeth resulted significantly protective (reference group: 0 teeth) versus mobility-related disability (OR = 0.67), disability (OR = 0.54) and inability to perform heavy duties (OR = 0.62), at follow up 1 and low physical performance score (OR = 0.59) at follow up 2. Conversely, the detrimental effect of edentulism, explored in subjects with or without dentures, was present but not as straightforward. Conclusion. The assessment of a geriatric patient should include an oral evaluation as a good dental status is a crucial component of successful aging.

Oral health problems and risk of incident disability in two studies of older adults in the United Kingdom and the United States

“…One potential direction is that poor oral health, specifically tooth loss, can influence the development of disability, including activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility limitations, in older age. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Nevertheless, limited evidence exists for the associations between oral health and incidence of mobility limitations, defined by difficulty walking and going up stairs, which is a key feature of functional independence. 22 Little is also known about the association of periodontal disease and self-reported oral health measures with incident disability in older adults.…”

“…In older populations, bidirectional associations exist between poor oral health and disability, with both health outcomes influencing one another. One potential direction is that poor oral health, specifically tooth loss, can influence the development of disability, including activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and mobility limitations, in older age 16–21 . Nevertheless, limited evidence exists for the associations between oral health and incidence of mobility limitations, defined by difficulty walking and going up stairs, which is a key feature of functional independence 22 .…”

Trajectories of physical functioning and its predictors in older adults: A 16-year longitudinal study in China

“…The same results were also found in other studies ( 41 , 42 ). Nutritional status may be related to the mechanism of tooth loss associated with physical condition ( 43 ). It is well known that adequate protein intake helps to limit and treat age-related declines in muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity and prevents the onset of frailty ( 44 ).…”

<p><strong> Pengaruh penyuluhan metode kombinasi ceramah dan video terhadap sikap lansia mengenai kebutuhan pemakaian gigi tiruan di Pondok Lansia Tulus Kasih</strong></p><p><strong><em> The effectiveness of the combination of lectures and videos on the elderly attitude about the need for the use of dentures at Pondok Lansia Tulus Kasih </em></strong></p>

“…Beberapa penelitian menunjukkan hasil penerapan metode ceramah pada pembelajaran memberikan efektifitas yang nyata, materi tersampaikan secara merata. 23,24,25 Penggunaan media video dalam bidang penyuluhan kesehatan, memudahkan seseorang dapat menerima pesan dengan mudah. 17 Media audio-visual berkontribusi besar terhadap perubahan perilaku orang.…”

“…Metode ini memberikan rangsangan pada pendengaran dan penglihatan sehingga hasil yang didapat lebih maksimal. 23,24 Hasil penelitian ini sejalan dengan penelitian Utami dkk 25 , yang menunjukkan bahwa menggunakan media video efektif dapat meningkatkan pemahaman mengenai kesehatan gigi dan mulut. Media video dapat menampilkan objek yang bergerak diiringi dengan suara yang sesuai.…”