How Do Changes in Oral Health and Chewing Efficiency Affect the Changes of Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Nursing-Home Residents in the Short Term?

Objective: To evaluate how changes in oral health and chewing efficiency affect the changes in oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of nursing-home residents over six months.

Methods: The study was conducted in nine nursing homes. Sociodemographic and general data were collected for all eligible individuals (n = 150). Of these, 114 participants (mean age 82.0 [± 9.5] years, 77.2% women) were available for the following tests at baseline and six months later: a comprehensive examination of dental and general health, a two-colour mixing-ability test (to assess chewing efficiency), the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI; to evaluate the OHRQoL), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE; to diagnose the presence and severity of dementia). Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were compiled to analyse possible factors affecting OHRQoL.

Results: For the final analysis, 108 participants were available. For the study cohort as a whole, a decrease in the number of functional occluding pairs (C: 0.195; p = 0.034) and an increase in dental-treatment needs (C: -1.968; p = 0.056) had the greatest negative effects on OHRQoL as expressed by the GOHAI score. For denture wearers, a deterioration of denture condition (C: -2.946; p = 0.003) was the most important predictor for a decline in OHRQoL.

Conclusion: A short-term decline in oral health and function affects the OHRQoL of nursing-home residents. The most important dental variables in this regard are the number of functional occluding pairs and dental and denture-related treatment needs.