Evaluation of the impact of frailty on oral health-related quality of life in patients age 65 and over

Frailty is characterized by a decline in physiological reserves, increasing sensitivity to stress-inducing situations in older individuals. It may negatively impact oral health-related quality of life by contributing to oral health deterioration. This study aimed to examine the effect of frailty on oral health-related quality of life in individuals aged 65 and above using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). A total of 122 participants aged 65 and over who applied to the Periodontology Clinic of Gaziantep University Faculty of Dentistry were included. Participants completed a questionnaire covering sociodemographic data and periodontal complaints, the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS), and the OHIP-14. Clinical assessments included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and the number of missing teeth. Statistically significant associations were found between frailty and variables such as age, emergency department admissions, frequency of hospitalization, gender, educational status, monthly income, toothbrushing frequency, presence of chronic diseases, halitosis, and scores of PI, GI, SCD, CAL, RBL, and the number of missing teeth (p<0.05). Additionally, significant relationships were observed between OHIP-14 scores and variables including emergency department admissions, frequency of hospitalization, toothbrushing frequency, halitosis, mobility, SCD and CAL scores, and the number of missing teeth (p<0.05). All sub-dimensions of the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) were significantly correlated with the total OHIP-14 score, and vice versa (p<0.05). In conclusion, a bidirectional interaction was identified between frailty and oral health. It can be stated that frailty negatively impacts oral health and the associated quality of life.