Oral mucosal changes in seniors: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6)

Various pathologic conditions can cause oral mucosal changes. However, data regarding the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of oral mucosal changes are insufficient. The 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6) not only provides cross-sectional analyses of oral mucosal changes but also longitudinal analyses after a 9-year follow-up.

For cross-sectional analysis, data from 797 younger seniors (65- to 74-year-olds) from the DMS • 6 cross-sectional component were employed. Longitudinal analysis was performed on data from the DMS • 6 senior cohort including 373 participants from 2014 (baseline) who were reexamined in 2023 (follow-up). The most frequent oral mucosal changes were documented based on the DMS V protocol. Each lesion was photographed and verified by two independent experts, and no other diagnostic tests were performed.

Among younger seniors, the overall prevalence of oral mucosal changes was 13.3%. Furthermore, the prevalence of leukoplakia was 4.3%. These rates are consistent with those previously reported. Regarding gender distribution, men were affected more frequently than women. Longitudinal analysis revealed that the majority (68%) of oral mucosal changes detected at baseline were not detected at follow-up. However, three participants showed persistent prosthesis-related changes. Approximately 10% of those who were healthy at baseline presented one or more incident oral mucosal changes over the observation period. In detail, 2.8% developed new serious lesions (carcinomas and leukoplakias). The progression of oral lichen planus and smoker's keratosis could not be determined because individuals with these findings in previous studies were no longer part of the longitudinal sample.

Documentation of malignant lesions plays an important role in research and for those affected. However, non-malignant lesions, such as leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and smoker's keratosis should also be documented in epidemiologic studies, particularly their risk of degeneration and correlation with tobacco consumption. (Quintessence Int 2026;57(Suppl):S76-S81; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b6955533).