Association of Dental and Prosthetic Status with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Centenarians

To date, there is little evidence on centenarians’ dental and prosthetic status or their oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess possible associations between sociodemographic and oral health factors, including prosthetic needs in this special age group and their potential influence on OHRQoL. Persons born before 1920 were recruited from population registries in south-western Germany. Fifty-five centenarians participated and underwent a comprehensive oral examination. Cognitive capacity was evaluated using the short Mini-Mental State Examination (S-MMSE, max. 21 points). At an S-MMSE > 10, an analysis of OHRQoL by means of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (max. ADD-GOHAI score 60 points) was performed (n = 43). Bivariate statistics and a linear regression model were used after variable selection to analyze data. Centenarians presented with a mean (SD) of 22 (7.2) missing teeth. Complete (65.5%) or partial dentures (21.8%) in at least one jaw were most common. One-third of the dentures needed repair/replacement; 16% of the centenarians presented with denture sores. In 60% of cases, OHRQoL was rated unsatisfactory (ADD-GOHAI < 57). Trouble biting or chewing resulted in the lowest levels of OHRQoL. Fewer remaining teeth, reduced functional capacity and removable prostheses correlated with an impaired OHRQoL (rs = −0.36, p = 0.01; rs = −0.34, p = 0.01; rs = −0.29, p = 0.03, respectively). After variable selection, the final linear regression model included only the number of missing teeth, the associated ADD-GOHAI score decreasing by 0.3 points per missing tooth. In conclusion, tooth loss and removable prostheses in need of repair or replacement are highly prevalent in centenarians. These factors seem to modulate OHRQoL negatively, assumedly due to impaired chewing function. Larger confirmatory studies are needed to validate these first results.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Prosthetic Status among Institutionalized Elderly from the Bucharest Area: A Pilot Study

The aim of the study was to assess the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of elderly in care homes, one of Romania’s most vulnerable social categories, to correlate it to sociodemographic, oral health parameters, and prosthodontic status. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was performed on 58 geriatrics divided into 3 age groups, who were clinically examined and answered the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Very high rates of complete edentulism in the oldest-old subgroup (bimaxillary in 64.3%; mandibular in 64.3%; maxillary in 85.7%), and alarming frequencies in the other subgroups (middle-old and youngest-old), statistically significant differences between age groups being determined. The OHIP-14 mean score was 14.5. Although not statistically significant, females had higher OHIP-14 scores, also middle-old with single maxillary arch, single mandibular arch, and bimaxillary complete edentulism, whether they wore dentures or not, but especially those without dental prosthetic treatment in the maxilla. A worse OHRQoL was also observed in wearers of bimaxillary complete dentures, in correlation with periodontal disease-related edentulism, in those with tertiary education degree, and those who came from rural areas. There were no statistically significant correlations of OHRQoL with age, total number of edentulous spaces or edentulous spaces with no prosthetic treatment. In conclusion, despite poor oral health and prosthetic status of the institutionalized elderly around Bucharest, the impact on their wellbeing is comparatively moderate.

Attitude Towards Replacement of Missing Teeth Among the Patients Visiting Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Teeth play a significant part in the maintenance of a healthy personality and an affirmative self-image. Tooth loss is psychologically a very traumatizing and upsetting experience, and is considered to be a serious event in the life of a person, requiring significant psychological readjustment. Objective: Evaluate the prosthetic status and attitude of the patients towards replacement of the teeth among the patients visiting dental department, Noble Medical College and Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted over a duration of 6 months to determine prosthetic status and attitude of the patients towards replacement of the teeth among all patients visiting Department of prosthodontics, NMCTH. The inclusion criteria was all patients with at least one missing tooth (excluding third molars) and subjects who gave consent for the study. All the Patients were provided with six close ended questionnaire followed by clinical examination by a well trained investigator. Result: The total number of participants was 297. Of them 157 were male and 140 were female. Most frequently encountered age group was 21-30 years Of these, 80.8% of individual were provided with proper information about replacement of teeth whereas 19.2 % were not. 70.7% individual said they will replace only when they find difficulty in their daily activities. 64.6 % of individual wanted to replace teeth for appearance, 20.5% for function and 14.8% for both appearance and function. 79.5 %stated financial problem and 18.2% stated lack of awareness regarding not replacement of teeth. Conclusion: The patients’ attitudes and demand towards the replacement of missing teeth might be different from the clinicians’ assessment. We consider factors such as the preservation of natural teeth and the maintenance of periodontal health as priority but patients tends to prioritize comfort in mastication and improvement of esthetics. Therefore, it is vital to investigate patients’ awareness, need and demand on prosthodontic treatment options.

Dental Prosthetic Status and Treatment Needs of Adult Population in Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia: A Survey Report

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dental prosthetic status and treatment needs among the 20–70 year old adults of Makkah region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the Adult population of Makkah region of Saudi Arabia aged 20-70 years. 226 subjects who were above 20 years and who was reporting to Dental OPD of Ibn Sina National College for Medical studies, Jeddah for prosthesis of missing teeth was target of cross-sectional study and these patients were randomly selected. A questionnaire was developed and patient’s consent was taken and examination of the patient was done and data collected. The data was compiled and subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis using the SPSS software version 21. Univariate analysis was performed using Chi-square test at 5% level of significance. Results: Among the participants, 29.6% of them had crown and 27.4% of them had brides and only 6.2% of them had porcelain veneers. 31.9% of them desired fixed partial denture and 6.2% of them wanted Implant supported prosthesis. 22.6% of them were suitable for removable partial denture, 29.6% of them were suitable for fixed partial denture and only 3.1% of them suitable for Implant supported prosthesis. 38.9% of them opted for removable partial denture, 38.1% of them opted for fixed partial denture and only 13.3% of them opted for Implant supported prosthesis. Conclusion: Prosthodontists should to be able to understand a patient’s motive in seeking Prosthodontic care and identify these before starting the treatment. This study provides data for an oral health‑care provider program for Makkah region. The study confirms the relationship between increasing age and prosthetic status and treatment needs.