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Factors affecting denture use in some institutionalized elderly people
Shunsuke Minakuchi1, Seiji Takaoka, Junji Ito
1Department of Gerodontology, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. s.minakuchi.gerd@tmd.ac.jp
Summary
Many elderly nursing home residents do not use dentures. Factors like oral hygiene, dressing ability, and remaining teeth significantly influence denture use in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Dental Prosthetics
Background:
- Denture use is crucial for oral function and quality of life in the elderly.
- A significant portion of nursing home residents face challenges with denture utilization.
- Factors influencing denture use in institutionalized elderly populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with denture use among elderly residents in Japanese nursing homes.
- To explore the relationship between oral status, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and denture utilization.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 205 elderly residents from two nursing homes in Tokyo.
- Assessment of oral health, denture status, ADL, mouth-rinsing ability, and dementia.
- Statistical analysis including factor analysis and multiple stepwise logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Fifty percent of participants did not use dentures.
- Denture use was significantly related to the number of remaining teeth, mouth-rinsing ability, communication, dressing/undressing, transfer ability, and eating.
- Nonuse of dentures was strongly associated with difficulties in dressing, fewer remaining crowns, and impaired mouth-rinsing ability.
Conclusions:
- Denture nonuse in elderly nursing home residents is multifactorial, linked to oral health status and functional independence.
- Improving oral hygiene practices and supporting ADL are critical for promoting denture use.
- Targeted interventions addressing physical and cognitive limitations may enhance denture compliance in this population.