Exploring Factors Affecting Oral Health Changes Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Oral Health Research

Background:

• Oral health is critical for the quality of life in aging populations.
• Factors influencing oral health changes in older adults require identification for proactive interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key factors influencing changes in oral health among Korean older adults.
• To understand predictors of oral health decline and improvement in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of nationally representative panel data (Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, 2018-2020).
• Categorization of 3,859 individuals (≥65 years) into oral health change groups using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index.
• Multinomial logistic regression analysis to determine influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The Poor-Poor oral health group was most prevalent (33.7%).
• Significant factors included age, education, body weight, diabetes, heart disease, depression, cognitive impairment, and Medicaid coverage.
• Underweight/overweight status and cognitive impairment predicted declining oral health; depression had a dual effect; chronic conditions and insufficient coverage perpetuated poor oral health.

Conclusions:

• Multi-level interventions in clinical care, health promotion, and policy (e.g., dental insurance expansion) are necessary.
• Further longitudinal research and cross-national studies are recommended to inform healthy aging strategies.