The relationships of dentition, use of dental prothesis and oral health problems with frailty, disability and diet quality: results from population-based studies of older adults from the UK and USA

Rachel Kimble, A.O. Papacosta, L.T. Lennon, P.H. Whincup, R.J. Weyant, J.C. Mathers, S.G. Wannamethee, S.E. Ramsay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
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Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the relationships of dental status, use and types of dental prothesis and oral health problems, individually and combined, with diet quality, frailty and disability in two population-based studies of older adults.

Design
Cross-sectional study.

Setting and Participants
Men form the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) (aged 85±4 years in 2018; n=1013) and Men and Women from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (HABC) Study (aged 75±3 years in 1998–99; n=1975).

Measurements
Physical and dental examinations and questionnaires were collected with data available for dental status, oral problems related to eating, diet quality, Fried frailty phenotype, disability based on mobility limitations, and activities of daily living (ADL). The associations of dental status and oral health problems, individually and combined, with risk of frailty and disability were quantified. The relationship with diet quality was also assessed.

Results
In the BRHS, but not HABC Study, impaired natural dentition without the use of dentures was associated with frailty independently. This relationship was only established in the same group in those with oral problems (OR=3.24; 95% CI: 1.30–8.03). In the HABC Study, functional dentition with oral health problems was associated with greater risk of frailty (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.18–4.15). In both studies those who wore a full or partial denture in one or more jaw who reported oral problems were more likely to have disability. There was no association with diet quality in these groups.

Conclusion
Older adults with impaired dentition even who use dentures who experience self-report oral problems related to eating may be at increased risk of frailty and disability. Further research is needed to establish whether improving oral problems could potentially reduce the occurrence of frailty and disability.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)663-672
Number of pages10
JournalThe Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
Volume27
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Aug 2023

Keywords

  • ageing
  • disability
  • frailty
  • oral problems
  • dentures

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