With the global increase in the aging population, the importance of healthy aging is becoming more pronounced. Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being, particularly for older individuals, where there is a clear link between oral health and general health. As the aging population grows, the prevalence of frailty also rises. Frailty is a biological syndrome characterized by diminished physical condition and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. It is a multifactorial and dynamic process linked to oral health, affecting nutrition, inflammation, and quality of life. Poor oral health, especially in the elderly, plays a significant role in the development of frailty.
Epidemiological trends show that most older adults now retain their natural teeth, leading to a partially dentate older population that is highly susceptible to dental diseases as their ability to maintain oral hygiene declines. Currently, the oral health of care home residents is significantly worse than that of their community-living peers, with a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. This contributes to pain, discomfort, and negative impacts on oral function and quality of life. Additionally, poor oral health may exacerbate medical conditions like aspiration pneumonia and delirium, increasing healthcare costs and worsening overall health outcomes.
The primary aim of this project is to investigate the relationship between oral health and frailty in older adults Furthermore, it will explore the association between oral health and improved nutritional and functional status in older adults, and whether this can reduce mortality risk and other adverse health outcomes, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Initially planned for 36 months, the project may require an extension due to the complexity of the analyses.
When a negative relationship between oral health and frailty exists, higher frailty levels may make it more difficult for older individuals to visit the dentist or maintain oral hygiene, further worsening their oral health. Therefore, both frailty levels and oral health status should be evaluated together. Understanding the association between oral health and frailty could help healthcare providers prioritize oral health treatments, preventing or reducing the risk of other systemic diseases.