일부 지역 노인의 구강건강인식, 구강건강관련 삶의 질 및 전신질환과 구강건강관련성 인식에 대한 연구

A Study on Oral Health Awareness, Oral Health-related Quality of Life, and Awareness of the Relation Between Systemic Diseases and Oral Health Among the Elderly in Some Regions

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health awareness, oral health-related quality of life, and awareness of the relation between systemic diseases and oral health, according to the presence or absence of systemic diseases and oral symptoms among older adults in a specific region. Methods: Data were collected from October 16, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The final study subjects were 355 people. Results: Oral health perceptions differed by age, number of remaining teeth, average daily toothbrushing frequency, toothbrushing method, and denture use. Awareness of the association between systemic diseases and oral health varied by gender, education level, number of remaining teeth, and toothbrushing method. The participants without hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease perceived their oral health to be better, while those without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or osteoporosis perceived their oral health-related quality of life to be higher. In terms of oral symptoms, those without tooth mobility, toothache, dry mouth, or difficulty chewing regarded both their oral health and oral health-related quality of life as better. Conclusions: Improving older adult’s quality of life through oral health care, requires health education that focuses on the presence of systemic diseases and oral symptoms. Additionally, efforts to enhance awareness of the link between systemic diseases and oral health are recommended.