Geriatrics: Assessment of the Quality of Life related to Oral HealthClinical decision support

Resumo

Introduction: Aging with quality of life and health is a societal challenge, including oral health. Common concerns among the elderly include dental caries, periodontal disease, temporomandibular dysfunctions, chronic myofascial pain, and edentulism. This study aimed to characterize oral health status and self-perception in an elderly population. Methods: Twenty-one elderly individuals from a Social and Parish Center were evaluated. Questionnaires on oral hygiene habits and the OHIP-14 index were applied, along with intra/extra-oral clinical assessments. Results: The “physical pain” dimension of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life showed a significant positive correlation (r_s=0.445, p=0.043), indicating that a higher number of compromised teeth is associated with increased pain. Social disability correlated with the DMFT index (r_s=0.442, p=0.045), suggesting that greater oral impairment is linked to a higher perception of social disability. Worse oral health conditions were associated with more pronounced negative impacts on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, particularly in physical pain, psychological discomfort, and social disability. Discussion: Preventive and educational strategies are essential for promoting oral health in geriatric populations, particularly institutionalized individuals. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life assessment is crucial in guiding clinical decisions in geriatric dentistry. Conclusion: Systematic evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, as a "Patient-Reported Outcome," integrates the geriatric patient's self-perception into clinical decision-making, optimizing person-centered care.