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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
13.8K
Correlation Between Oral Health and General Medical Condition in Geriatric Patients.
Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry
|March 11, 2026
Summary
Older adults
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Oral Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging populations require increased healthcare, including dental services.
- Oral health in seniors is often poor due to physical, medical, and medication-related issues.
- This study examines oral health in geriatric patients and its links to overall health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oral health status of hospitalized geriatric patients.
- To determine the correlation between oral health and general medical, psychosocial, and functional health indicators.
- To highlight the need for integrated dental care in geriatric settings.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study of 62 hospitalized geriatric patients (aged 69-99).
- Oral health assessed using the DMFT index; functional status via Barthel Index, mobility, and hand strength.
- Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed statistically.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between geriatric impairment and oral health (DMFT index).
- Cognitive function (MMSE) strongly correlated with oral health; severe dementia linked to higher DMFT and more missing teeth.
- Physical function (Barthel Index) also associated with oral health; dependency linked to higher DMFT, missing, and decayed teeth.
Conclusions:
- Oral health is vital for elderly well-being and quality of life.
- Integrating dental assessments into geriatric care is crucial.
- Tailored dental strategies and further research into causal links are needed.
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