# Oral health behaviors and associated factors in older adults: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study examines oral health habits and their influencing factors in older adults to help improve dental care and prevent oral diseases.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific risk indicators for poor oral health behaviors in older adults using logistic regression analysis.

## Key findings

- 21.9% of participants brushed less than twice a day, with males and those with prosthetic needs being at higher risk.
- Poor interdental cleaning was linked to worse oral hygiene, male gender, and chronic diseases.
- Dental visits for treatment were associated with having dental prosthetics and higher DMFT scores.

## Abstract

Oral health behaviors play an essential role in maintaining oral health and preventing oral diseases, which are often neglected in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral health behaviors and their associated factors in older adults.

This cross-sectional study included participants aged 65 years or older who attended a university dental hospital in Portugal. Data were collected through a questionnaire on oral health behaviors, socioeconomic data, general health characteristics, self-perceived oral health and oral health-related quality of life. The oral clinical assessment included the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT), the Modified Community Periodontal Index, the presence of oral mucosal lesions, prosthetic presence, and prosthetic and treatment needs. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methodologies. The association between potential risk indicators and oral health behaviors was assessed and modelled using logistic regression analysis.

A sample of 302 older adults participated in this study, and 56.0% were female. The mean age was 73.5 years (±5.8). Regarding oral health behaviors, 21.9% brushed less than twice a day, 52.1% did not use interdental devices and 49.3% last visited a dentist for treatment. Risk indicators for less frequent brushing were being male [OR = 3.00, 95% CI (1.65–5.47)], having a perceived prosthetic need [OR = 3.46, 95% CI (1.72–6.95)] and increased values of DMFT [OR = 1.15, 95% CI (1.08–1.22)]. Risk indicators for not using interdental devices were increased values of OHI-S [OR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.71–3.40)], being male [OR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.38–3.89)] and the presence of chronic diseases [OR = 1.87, 95% CI (1.03–3.39)]. Risk indicators for treatment being the reason for the last dental appointment were prosthetic presence [OR = 3.23, 95% CI (1.79–5.82)] and increased values of DMFT [OR = 1.06, 95% CI (1.01–1.11)].

Assessment of oral health behaviors and associated factors should be considered to guide future public health strategies to improve compliance with oral health care among older adults and to prevent oral diseases.