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Oral functional limitation among dentate adults
U Foerster1, G H Gilbert, R P Duncan
1Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0415, USA. ufoerster@dental.ufl.edu
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|April 2, 1999
Summary
Oral functional limitations like chewing and speaking difficulties are prevalent in adults. Clinical factors such as tooth loss and sociodemographic factors like race significantly impact these oral health issues.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Oral Health Epidemiology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Oral functional limitations significantly impact quality of life in adults.
- Understanding prevalence and associated factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of oral functional limitations in adults.
- To identify clinical and sociodemographic factors linked to these limitations.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal Florida Dental Care Study.
- 873 participants aged 45+ with at least one tooth.
- Baseline interview and dental examination assessing oral functional limitations.
Main Results:
- 23% reported chewing difficulty; 10% reported speaking difficulty.
- Chewing difficulty associated with fewer teeth, root tips, mobility, pain, bad breath, dry mouth, and female gender.
- Speaking difficulty linked to fewer anterior teeth, denture issues, unattractive teeth, and Black race.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence of oral functional limitation exists in dentate adults.
- Specific clinical and sociodemographic factors are independently associated with oral functional limitations.