Analysis of influencing factors on oral health related quality of life for elderly removable denture wearers

ZHAO Qian; LI Ying-long; WANG Xue-yuan; LI Yi-zi

doi:10.19749/j.cn.cjgd.1672-2973.2024.03.009

Abstract：Objective To analyze the influencing factors and interrelationships of oral health-related quality of life(OHRQoL)of elderly removable denture wearers.Methods A total of 86 patients with dental defects/edentulous jaws were selected as the denture wearing group.Removable dentures were performed and the distal end of dentures extended at least to the first molar.A total of 72 patients without removable dentures whose natural dentition was preserved to the first molar were selected as the control group.The Eichner classification was used to record the occlusal units and occlusal support quantity between the upper and lower jaw.The Oral Health Impact Profile(OHIP)was used to evaluate OHRQoL.The contact positioning method was used to determine the main occluding area.The bilateral first molars were used as the measurement site to evaluate the maximal occlusal force.The gummy jelly method was used to evaluate the masticatory performance.The questionnaire on food acceptance was used to evaluate the masticatory ability.Results The OHIP score and scores on the two subscales of psychological discomfort and physiological ability limitation in the denture wearing group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The OHIP score was significantly negatively correlated with the number of remaining teeth,number of occlusal supports,the maximum occlusal force,and masticatory ability.The number of remaining teeth in the mandible,the number of occlusal supports,whether the main occlusal area of the mandible was natural teeth,and masticatory ability was significant influencing factors of OHIP score.Conclusion There is a correlation between the quality of life related to oral health of elderly removable denture wearers and the remaining bite relationship and the main occluding area,with the retention of the first mandibular molar being a key influencing factor.