Tooth loss and dentures: patients' perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Oral Health
• Dental Public Health
• Quality of Life Research

Background:

• Despite advances in dental care, tooth loss remains prevalent among older adults globally.
• Removable dentures are common prosthetics for edentulous or partially edentulous older individuals.
• The impact of tooth loss and denture use on daily life requires patient-centered investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of natural tooth loss and denture wearing on the daily lives of older adults.
• To assess oral health from the patient's perspective using validated and novel instruments.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling older men in the Greater Boston area.
• Participants underwent a brief examination and completed surveys.
• Oral health was assessed using measures like the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), Oral-Health-related Quality of Life (OHQOL), and a new DELTA instrument.

Main Results:

• Men with 25 or more natural teeth reported significantly better self-rated oral health across all measures compared to those with fewer teeth or dentures.
• The novel DELTA instrument effectively distinguished between different dentition and denture status groups.
• Food avoidance was strongly associated with tooth loss/denture use, while difficulties with relaxation, pain, and social avoidance were also observed to a lesser extent.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining natural teeth is associated with superior oral health and quality of life in older men.
• Tooth loss and denture use present challenges impacting daily activities, including dietary choices and social engagement.
• The DELTA instrument shows promise for assessing the impact of oral conditions in older populations.