Oral health problems and risk of incident disability in two studies of older adults in the United Kingdom and the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preventing oral health problems can be crucial for maintaining physical independence in older adults. We aimed to examine the associations of a range of oral health problems with incidence of disability in older adults.

Methods

We used prospective data from the British Regional Health Study (BRHS) (N = 2147, 71-92 years), and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) study (USA) (N = 3075, 71-80 years). Oral health measures included tooth loss, periodontal disease, self-rated oral health, and self-reported dry mouth. Participants were followed for onset of disability over a follow-up period of 3 years. Onset of disability was assessed through new cases of mobility limitations, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)

SUBMITTER: Kotronia E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9283258 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature