The oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with Conventional complete dentures

Objective: To compare the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture. Background: Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP‐EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods: Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws. Result: The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP‐EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11). Conclusion: Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.     

Oral health-related quality of life--associations with oral health and conditions in Swedish 70-year-old individuals

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00495.x Oral health–related quality of life – associations with oral health and conditions in Swedish 70‐year‐old individuals Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in relation to different chronic oral conditions and perception of oral health among elderly individuals. Background: Health‐related quality of life is important to assess and understand the impact of different diseases and conditions on individuals’ well‐being. Material and methods: Randomly selected 70‐year‐old individuals (N = 561) were included in this analysis. They were clinically examined and answered a questionnaire. Variables used were perceived oral health, satisfaction with appearance of teeth, problems with chewing and dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, dental anxiety and dental visiting habits. To measure the participants′ perception of the impact of oral conditions on their well‐being, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) was used. Results: The OHIP‐14 distribution of sum of scores showed a floor effect but revealed acceptable psychometric properties with regard to reliability and validity. Multivariable logistic regression revealed three highly predictive variables for individuals with high OHIP‐14 scores: using dentures, having chewing problems and being dissatisfied with appearance of teeth. Conclusion: Use of dentures, having chewing problems and being dissatisfied with appearance of teeth are associated with high OHIP‐14 sums, indicating strong influence on OHRQoL.     

Validation of the Brazilian versions of two inventories for measuring oral health‐related quality of life of edentulous subjects

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00417.x
Validation of the Brazilian versions of two inventories for measuring oral health‐related quality of life of edentulous subjects Objectives: To analyse the validity of the Brazilian versions of OHIP‐EDENT and GOHAI as assessment tools of edentulous subjects’ OHRQoL. Background: Inventories for measuring oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) are important in clinical studies regarding oral rehabilitation. However, there is a need for comprehensive validation after translation into different cultural settings. Materials and methods: The sample comprised of 100 complete denture wearers (29 men, 71 women, mean age of 65.2 ± 9.9 years). The associations between each OHRQoL inventory and other variables served as measurements of construct validity. Data analysis comprised the Spearman correlation test as well as multiple regression using the OHRQoL inventories as dependent variables and the other scales as determinants. Results: Both OHRQoL inventories showed good correlation with denture satisfaction, whereas lower correlation coefficients were found among the inventories and the HAD subscales. Denture satisfaction alone explained 48% and 39% of the variance found for the OHIP‐EDENT and GOHAI, respectively, as assessed by multiple regression. A smaller effect was found for OHIP‐EDENT. Conclusion: Both OHIP‐EDENT and GOHAI showed good construct validity for measurement of OHRQoL of edentulous subjects.     

Derivation of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile in Spanish (OHIP-EE-14)

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00613.x
Derivation of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile in Spanish (OHIP‐EE‐14) Background and Objective: The Oral Health Impact Profile is the most frequently used and validated of the Oral Health Quality of Life instruments. Several short versions have been developed; and a validation of the OHIP‐49 in Spanish has been published. The objective was to develop the short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile in Spanish (OHIP‐EE‐14). Methods: Cross‐sectional study. One hundred and thirty‐one persons aged ≥60 years attending a social centre for the elderly, residents of a nursing home and persons seeking dental care at a dental school in Mexico City were interviewed and examined. The validity of each of the 49 questions was evaluated, and, to construct the short version, 14 items were selected. The perceived need for dental treatment, number of teeth, presence of coronal caries, root caries, presence of dental plaque and utilisation of removable prosthesis were measured. Internal consistency, repeatability and discriminant validity were calculated. Results: The OHIP‐EE‐14 was reliable (Cronbach’s‐α = 0.918, ICC = 0.825). Significant associations were found between OHIP‐EE‐14 and the number of teeth and perceived need for dental treatment. Conclusions: The OHIP‐EE‐14 is a reliable and valid instrument and can be used in subjects aged 60 years and over from Mexico City.     

Oral health‐related quality of life in hospitalised stroke patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00330.x
Oral health‐related quality of life in hospitalised stroke patients Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that impairment of orofacial function following stroke affects the patients’ oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Material and methods: From the University Hospitals of Geneva, 31 stroke patients (18 men, 13 women, mean age 69.0 ± 12.7 years) with unilateral facial and limb palsy were recruited (patient group, PG). In the study, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐EDENT was utilised to assess OHRQoL. Further examinations comprised a test of masticatory efficiency and lip force, stroke severity National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and dental state. The control group (CG) consisted of 24 subjects with similar age, gender and dental state. Results: The PG mean OHIP‐EDENT sum score was 18.8 ± 15.5 and proved higher than one of the CG, indicating a lower OHRQoL in the PG (p < 0.01). The score of the sub‐domains ‘functional limitation’ and ‘physical pain’ were significantly higher in PG (p < 0.03 and p < 0.02, respectively). The masticatory efficiency was significantly lower in the PG (p < 0.0001) and was associated with the OHIP‐EDENT sum score and its sub‐domains, except for ‘physical disability’. This effect was not present in the CG. Conclusion: The OHRQoL is significantly reduced in hospitalised stroke patients whereby functional impairment seems predominant when compared with psychological and psycho‐social aspects.     

Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone-based soft liner

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00503.x Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone‐based soft liner Background: Knowledge of benefits caused by a treatment on quality of life is very relevant. Despite the wide use and acceptance of soft denture liners, it is necessary to evaluate the patient’s response about the use of these materials with regard to improvement in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of denture relining in the OHRQoL of edentulous patients. Materials and methods: Thirty‐two complete denture wearers had their lower dentures relined with a silicone‐based material (Mucopren soft, Kettenbach, Germany) according to chairside procedures. OHRQoL was assessed before and after 3 months of relining by means of OHIP‐EDENT, and the median scores were compared by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: After 3 months of relining, participants reported significant improvement of their OHRQoL (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Denture relining with a soft liner may have a positive impact on the perceived oral health of edentulous patients.     

A 3-year longitudinal study of quality-of-life outcomes of elderly patients with implant- and tooth-supported fixed partial dentures in posterior dental regions

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00592.x
A 3‐year longitudinal study of quality‐of‐life outcomes of elderly patients with implant‐ and tooth‐supported fixed partial dentures in posterior dental regions Background: Clinical studies have mainly been focused on oral health‐related quality‐of‐life (OHRQoL) outcomes of removable dentures. Objective: To evaluate therapy of elderly patients with implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (IFPD) and tooth‐supported fixed partial dentures (FPD) in the posterior dental regions. Patients and methods: The OHIP49 was used to measure OHRQoL in 64 patients with IFPD and 38 patients with FPD, before, 3 weeks and 3 years after rehabilitation. A control group (CG) consisted of 62 individuals. Results: The Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP) follow‐up scores of the patients with FPD and the patients with IFPD were significantly smaller in comparison with the baseline scores (p < 0.01). The OHIP scores were further reduced at the 3‐year follow‐up. The patients with IFPD had significantly higher scores than the patients with FPD and the CG at the baseline and at the follow‐ups. In the patients with FPD, both age groups (≤60 and >60) showed equal improvement of the OHRQoL. In the IFPD group, patients older than 60 years showed better improvement (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences dependent on gender and antagonistic teeth (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The FPD and the IFPD treatment showed significant improvement of OHRQoL. The FPD treatment improved OHRQoL equally in both age groups, while the IFPD treatment improved OHRQoL better in older patients.     

The effect of attachment type and implant number on satisfaction and quality of life of mandibular implant-retained overdenture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00531.x The effect of attachment type and implant number on satisfaction and quality of life of mandibular implant‐retained overdenture wearers Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life and patient satisfaction outcomes of two attachment systems in mandibular overdentures with different numbers of supporting implants. Materials and methods: Sixty‐two edentulous patients with either splinted or single attachments in mandibular implant overdentures with different numbers of supporting interforaminal implants were investigated for patient satisfaction and quality of life in this retrospective study. Comparisons between groups were perceived by the Mann–Whitney U test. Relations among the parameters were investigated by Spearman’s rho correlation analysis. The results were evaluated statistically at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant association is found between visual analogue scales scores and attachment type as well as implant number (p > 0.05), whereas Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐14 total scores for patients with 4‐implant‐supported bars were significantly lower than all the other attachment types (p < 0.05). Additionally, a negative (rate = 32.2%), statistically significant association between period of edentulism and total OHIP‐14 scores was detected (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A mandibular implant‐retained overdenture supported with four implants and bar attachments shows the highest ‘quality of life’ score and patient satisfaction is not influenced by the number of implants or attachment type.     

Oral health related quality of life in Slovenian patients with craniomandibular disorders

Sixty eight consecutive Slovenian patients with craniomandibular disorders (CMD) participated as the study group and another 400 adults from the regional population sample participated as the control group. The aim was to determine the impact of craniomandibular disorders to the self-perceived oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to compare the OHRQoL with a control group. The mean Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) summary scores were computed for all patients with the same diagnosis and for the same subgroups of the axis I according to the RDC/TMD exam protocol. The mean OHIP subscores for the seven domains of the OHIP questionnaire were compared between the study and the control group. Significantly higher OHIP summary scores and all the OHIP subscores were obtained in the CMD patients in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, in the CMD group, patients with two related diagnoses had significantly higher impaired OHRQoL than patients with a single one. The results revealed: 1. The CMD subjects are highly associated with the reduced OHRQoL, 2. Higher number of diagnoses of the axis I according to the RDC/TMD results in the more impaired OHRQoL, 3. The higher age of the patients revealed the more impaired OHRQoL.     

Exploring the quality of life after denture-wearing within elders in Kaohsiung

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00614.x
Exploring the quality of life after denture‐wearing within elders in Kaohsiung Objective: The objective of the research is to investigate whether the elderly people’s quality of life get improved after denture wearing. Material and methods: About 1600 elderly persons, over 65 years old, were sampled as the research target. The overall response rate was 71.62%. The tool of research is a structural questionnaire Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) that was used to measure the oral health–related quality of life. Individual’s satisfaction of denture wearing divides into three groups: edentulous individuals who are satisfied with denture wearing, edentulous individuals who are not satisfied with denture wearing and dentulous individuals. Results: The result shows the eight variables, which are oral health condition, frequency of snacks‐eating, age, frequency in participation in social activities, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), vision, satisfaction with life and physical functions, have significant influence on total OHIP score. Conclusions: Although being edentulous, if the elderly are satisfied with their denture, the quality of life can be maintained and not affected by oral health problems. It is suggested that the further researches can include more relevant factors when in a discussion on the oral health–related quality of life, especially, the subjective perception of individual’s feeling.     

Oral health‐related quality of life in patients receiving home‐care nursing: associations with aspects of dental status and xerostomia

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00344.x
Oral health‐related quality of life in patients receiving home‐care nursing: associations with aspects of dental status and xerostomia Objective: To explore the differences in oral status, dental attendance and dry mouth problems between patients with long‐term disease with high and low scores on Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP 14) and how patients cope with oral problems such as xerostomia and a reduced ability to brush their teeth. Background: There has been a lack of studies of oral health and oral health‐related quality of life in the frail elderly within the community services. Materials and methods: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted with 137 patients receiving home‐care nursing. Structured interviews were conducted by student nurses using OHIP‐14, items from the Xerostomia Inventory and questions concerning dental visit habits, brushing of teeth and data from medical records. Results: Eighty‐three per cent of patients had natural teeth and 60% had only natural teeth. ‘Natural teeth only’ indicated a low score on OHIP‐14. Problems with brushing and items concerning xerostomia indicated a high score on OHIP‐14. Contrasts in the assessments concerning brushing of teeth and xerostomia indicated low priority from the patients themselves and the nursing staff. Conclusion: Community health services should focus upon oral health. Both patients and nurses should assess the need for regular brushing of teeth carried out by home‐care nurses. Assessment and treatment of dry mouth problems should have higher priority.     

A study to compare the oral health impact profile and satisfaction before and after having replacement complete dentures constructed by either the copy or the conventional technique

Aims: To assess the oral health impact profile (OHIP) on edentulous subjects who needed to have their dentures replaced either by a copy technique or a conventional technique, and to determine whether any change in the subjects’ assessment of their original and replacement dentures impacted on oral health related quality of life parameters. Background: The OHIP is an instrument used to measure subjects’ perceptions of the social impact of oral disorders on their well being. Changes in the OHIP may occur when subjects need to have their complete dentures replaced. Furthermore, it is possible that the method by which the dentures are constructed may impact on this. Methods: A total of 65 edentulous subjects were studied. Thirty‐three subjects had their dentures constructed by a copy technique and 32 by a conventional technique. Subjects completed the OHIP‐14 questionnaires before and after being provided with a set of replacement complete dentures. They also assessed specific features of the upper and lower dentures. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. Results: For many subjects, the responses in the before treatment questionnaires were at the lower end of the Likert scale, indicating that there were no major impacts on oral health related quality of life parameters. There were no major differences between the copy denture subjects and the conventional denture subjects in relation to the change in OHIP scores before and after treatment. Generally subjects expressed improved satisfaction with the new lower denture. However, for the copy denture group there were significant improvements for all seven assessments compared with only five out of seven assessments for subjects in the conventional group. Conclusion: For these groups of edentulous subjects, although they may need dentures to be replaced after a period of wear, this does not necessarily have significant impacts on oral health related quality of life parameters. It seems likely that this is the main reason why the provision of new dentures by either a copying or conventional technique did not result in major changes to the OHIP.     

A study to compare the oral health impact profile and satisfaction before and after having replacement complete dentures in England and Scotland

Objective: To assess the oral health impact profile (OHIP) on edentulous subjects in Scotland and England who needed to have their dentures replaced, and to determine whether any change in the subjects’ assessment of their original and replacement dentures impacted on oral health related quality of life parameters. Background: The loss of all teeth may impact on functional activities. The OHIP is an instrument used to measure subjects’ perception of the social impact of oral disorders on their well being. Methods: A total of 58 edentulous subjects were studied. Subjects completed the OHIP‐14 questionnaires before and after being provided with a set of replacement complete dentures. They also assessed specific features of the upper and lower dentures. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. Results: For many subjects, the responses in the before treatment questionnaires were at the lower end of the Likert scale, indicating that there were no major impacts on oral health related quality of life parameters. There were significant improvements in four of the 14 OHIP parameters assessed after treatment. With the new dentures, subjects expressed improved satisfaction, particularly for the lower prosthesis. There were no major differences between the responses of the subjects in Scotland and England. Conclusion: For this group of edentulous subjects, although they may need dentures to be replaced after a period of wear, this does not necessarily have significant social impacts. For this reason the provision of new dentures did not result in major changes to the OHIP.     

Assessment of changes in oral health‐related quality of life among patients with complete denture before and 1 month post‐insertion using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00323.x
Assessment of changes in oral health‐related quality of life among patients with complete denture before and 1 month post‐insertion using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index Objective: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) is a 12‐item measure of “patient‐reported oral functional problems” intended for use in the assessment of the effectiveness of dental treatment. Design and Setting: As there is scanty literature available on GOHAI in the Indian population, the present study was undertaken to assess the changes in GOHAI before and 1 month after placement of dentures in completely edentulous patients reporting to a dental hospital at Indore, India. Measurements: The GOHAI questionnaire was completed by the examiner who interviewed the patients (n = 35) before placement of complete dentures and 1 month later. Mean, median values were calculated and the data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Results: When overall mean was considered, the GOHAI scores increased from 27.48 to 30.19 (p = 0.002; highly significant). Conclusion: Patients reported improvement in functional changes after placement of complete dentures.     

Assessing expressed need and satisfaction in complete denture wearers

Objectives: The need to assess both lay and professional views of oral health is believed to be at the centre of success when providing dental health care for older patients. Self‐perceived physical (oral) health and perceptions of psychosocial functioning must be included if expressed need is to be assessed. The aim of this work was to construct an expressed need schedule and to assess the ability of this assessment to predict older community‐based patients' satisfaction with complete dentures. Design: Survey of 260 people aged 65 years and over. Setting: Community setting. Main outcome measures: The participants were interviewed using a 55 item modified version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) to assess their psychological, social and perceptions of their oral health. All participants were subjected to an oral examination. Results: The results showed that complete denture wearers compared had greater experience of difficulties associated with oral health and psychological functioning. Factor analysis allowed the identification of three dimensions associated with psychological, social and self‐perceived physical (oral) health. When these factors were regressed with normative denture treatment need against satisfaction with complete dentures, satisfaction was characterised by high self‐perceived physical (oral) health, low social health problems and no identifiable normative need. Conclusion: This work supports the inclusion of self‐perceived physical (oral) health and psychosocial health (expressed need) questions in a schedule when predicting satisfaction with complete dentures.     

Comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant-retained overdentures and conventional dentures among elderly edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction and the quality of life in an elderly population using either mandibular conventional dentures or implant‐retained overdentures. Materials and methods: A total of 34 patients were divided into two groups: group I – complete dentures users; group II – users of upper complete dentures opposed by implant‐retained overdentures. The subjects were submitted to a questionnaire based on Oral Health Impact Profile and oral health related quality of life to evaluate their satisfaction levels and quality of life with their prostheses. Data were evaluated using a non‐parametric statistical analysis (Fischer test) with significant difference at α = 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in relation to comfort, aesthetics, chewing ability, overall satisfaction, pain, functional, phonetic, social, and psychological limitations (p > 0.05). Comparing the stability of mandibular dentures, group II presented the better results (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the stability of the mandibular implant‐retained overdenture was enhanced compared to a conventional denture, the quality of life and satisfaction levels were similar for both the groups.     

A cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence of dental anxiety and its relation to the oral health-related quality of life in patients with dental treatment needs at a university clinic in Switzerland

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00465.x A cross‐sectional analysis of the prevalence of dental anxiety and its relation to the oral health‐related quality of life in patients with dental treatment needs at a university clinic in Switzerland Objectives: The aim of this observational, cross‐sectional study was to analyse the relationship between dental anxiety (DA) and health‐related quality of life aspects associated with oral conditions of a population with dental treatment needs in Switzerland. Methods: The measurements of DA were collected by means of two questionnaires, the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The sample included 223 patients enrolled at a university clinic which specialises in oral prosthetic rehabilitation and temporomandibular disorders. Of them, 78.9% were at or above the age of 50. Results: No gender or age dependencies were observed. A comparison of answers regarding OHRQoL and DA revealed a significant interdependence (p = 0.0118); highly anxious patients were 3.55 times more likely to suffer from poor quality of life compared with less anxious ones. Conclusion: This cross‐sectional study of mostly elderly patients seeking dental treatment in Switzerland found that increased DA was associated with an impaired OHRQoL. The average DA was slightly higher than the results of other industrialised countries and the average OHRQoL was reduced.     

Oral health promotion among older persons and their care providers in a nursing home facility

Objectives: To assess oral health status and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of residents in an extended care facility and to assess the care providers’ oral health attitudes and knowledge. Methods: Participants included 137 residents (58.1% female, age range 32–94 years, 91% African–American) and 22 care providers. Residents received an oral examination and completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14), an OHRQoL questionnaire. Care providers completed an oral health knowledge (OHK) questionnaire before and after the on‐site geriatric oral health education and training programme. Results: Oral examinations showed that 58% of the residents had extensive oral health needs. On the OHIP‐14, the mean severity was 9.2 (SD = 12.0), extent (number of items rated as ‘fairly often’ or ‘often’) was 1.2 (SD = 2.6) and prevalence (participants rating at least one item at least ‘fairly often’) was 37.8%. Most prevalent negative impact items were about ‘oral pain’, ‘appearance’ and ‘self‐consciousness’. Regarding OHK, caregivers’ knowledge improved following instruction from 65% correct on the pre‐test to 90% correct on the post‐test (p < 0.05). Subsequent to the eight in‐service workshops, providers reported that physical limitations, fear of getting bitten and time constraints were barriers to providing oral hygiene to their residents. Conclusion: Examination data showed a high level of dental needs among the majority of residents, accompanied by significantly reduced OHRQoL. Although care providers’ OHK improved following the geriatric service programme, they reported specific barriers regarding their provision of oral hygiene care to the residents.     

Oral health-related quality of life: a critical appraisal of assessment tools used in elderly people

Objective: The purpose of this study was to undertake a critical appraisal of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) measurements used for research in the elderly. Background: A variety of OHRQoL measurements have been developed in the past 20 years as a result of increased concern about the impact of oral conditions on a person’s quality of life. There is need for an assessment aimed at prioritising the recommended measurements to be used for different purposes in the elderly. Materials and methods: Original English language papers using measurements to assess OHRQoL in the elderly were identified from Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, Medline and Lilacs databases. The search included all papers published from 1985 to February 2007. The criteria of assessment were: (i) measurement criteria (number of items and domains, and classification of the results found for each measurement); (ii) quantitative–qualitative criteria (frequency, acceptability, reproducibility, reliability, sensitivity and capability of being reproduced in other language versions). Results: In a total of 152 papers selected, 20 measurements were identified. However, only seven fulfilled all the measurement and quantitative–qualitative criteria. Conclusion: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, Subjective Oral Health Status Indicators, Oral Health Impact Profile‐49, Dental Impact on Daily Living, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14, Oral Impact on Daily Performances and German Version of the Oral Heath Impact Profile were considered as instruments of choice to assess OHRQoL in the elderly. The other 13 instruments identified require further research aimed at a validation process and the use of a language other than English.     

Effects of Salivary Oxidative Markers on Edentulous Patients’ Satisfaction with Prosthetic Denture Treatments: A Pilot Study

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships among periodontal conditions, salivary antioxidant levels, and patients’ satisfaction with their prostheses.

Methods

This study was conducted at the Division of Prosthodontics, Department of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University Hospital. The periodontal condition of patients was based on an assessment of the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). The pH value, flow rate, and buffer capacity of the saliva were estimated. The salivary total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level were also determined. Patients’ satisfaction with prosthetic treatments was evaluated using the Chinese version of the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14C). A multivariate regression model was used to determine whether patients’ satisfaction with prosthetic treatment was affected by their oral health status.

Results

In total, 35 edentulous patients were recruited. In the Spearman correlation analysis, salivary pH (r = -0.36, p = 0.03) and the buffer ability (r = -0.48, p<0.01) were associated with OHIP-14C scores. In the multivariate analysis, patients who had a higher GI also had a higher score of physical disabilities (β = 1.38, p = 0.04). Levels of SOD increased with the scores of psychological discomfort (β = 0.33 U/g protein, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

This study suggested that both the GI and SOD levels were associated with patients’ satisfaction with prosthetic treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to elucidate the relationship between OHIP scores and salivary oxidative markers in edentulous patients.