Aging and Oral Health Related to Quality of Life in Geriatric Patients

Oral health is more than healthy teeth. Oral diseases and disorders can affect general health, well-being, and quality of life. The goal of this investigation was to establish oral health related to quality of life of geriatric patients. The study was made for a period of 12 months in a private dental office in Sofia, Bulgaria. It included 53 geriatric patients (36 women and 17 men). The women's average age was 69.5 years old (65 to 87), and men’s average age was 70.5 years old (65 to 84). A special questionnaire was made and patients were asked about specific dental problems related to quality of life. Of the respondents, 69.8% were women and only 30.2% were men, which means that women are more likely to visit dental health care offices. Of geriatric patients, 31.5% visit the dental office because of acute pain and 68.4% because of caries. The following are the specific items used to assess geriatric oral health and quality of life: trouble biting or chewing (eating), uncomfortable eating in front of other people, trouble speaking, and limitation of social contacts. Oral health can be an indicator of general health and quality of life in geriatric patients. Oral diseases are progressive and cumulative. They become more complex over time. Improved oral health will allow geriatric patients to improve their self-confidence, have active social contacts, and restore the ability to work at home or on the job.