Oral-Systemic Health Burden and Dry Mouth as an Intermediary Factor: A Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore Nursing Homes.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction and aims

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral and systemic health conditions among older adults in nursing homes (NHs) in Singapore and investigate associations between dry mouth and oral-systemic health factors.

Methods

Participants were selected through a stratified cluster sampling method across 8 NHs. Inclusion criteria included age ≥60 years and physical/cognitive ability to undergo oral screening. Data on systemic health (care dependence, malnutrition, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy) and oral health (dry mouth, oral hygiene, dentition, gingival and periodontal condition, and denture quality) were collected in 2024. Bivariate analyses (Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test) were used to assess associations between dry mouth

SUBMITTER: Tada S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12547251 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature