Oral health, treatment burden and demographics of elders with care-resistant behavior: A cross-sectional study

To assess oral health, treatment burden, mortality risk, and demographics in elders with care-resistant behaviors (CRB) in nursing homes (NH) and compare them with those without CRB.

503 participants from eight NH who received dental treatment through a mobile dental clinic were included. Their medical and dental records were screened regarding oral/dental health, treatment history, general health, demographics, and CRB. Statistical analysis was performed to show correlations between CRB and the measured parameters. Data were verified for normal distribution; a point-biserial correlation model was used (95% CI: α = 0.05). No correlation was found between CRB and Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMF-T) (r_pb = -0.061, p = .177), as well as periodontal status (r_pb = 0.004, p = .946). A negative correlation was observed between CRB and the required number of treatment procedures (r_pb = -0.181, p < .0001), time (r_pb = -0.118, p = .010), and costs (r_pb = -0.100, p = .028). Sex predilection for men regarding CRB was evident (r_pb = -0.155, p = .01). No correlation appeared between CRB and vital status (r_pb = -0.41, p = .355).

Oral health seems to be similar in institutionalized elders with or without CRB. Treatment burden was not elevated, but even reduced in elders with CRB, evincing that few/no treatment procedures were performed in those elders. CRB demonstrated a sex predilection for men. An association between CRB and increased mortality was not evident.