Ig Sanita Pubbl. 2025 Sep-Oct;98(5):285-300.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The global rise in the ageing population has increased the burden of chronic oral diseases among older adults, particularly in regions with limited geriatric-focused healthcare resources. Age-related physiological decline, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy collectively heightened susceptibility to dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, xerostomia, and prosthetic complications. Despite this growing concern, evidence on how comorbidities influence oral health and quality of life among geriatric individuals remained fragmented.
AIM: This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence of oral diseases among geriatric adults and to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), while examining the impact of comorbidities, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO [CRD420251232457]. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was performed for studies published from January 2000 up to date. Observational studies involving adults aged ≥60 years that reported oral health indicators and OHRQoL using validated instruments (GOHAI, OHIP) were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were carried out independently by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Due to heterogeneity across populations and assessment tools, a narrative synthesis was employed.
RESULTS: Five studies met the eligibility criteria, representing institutionalized Italian elders, tribal elders in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, dental outpatients in Delhi, and community-dwelling older adults in Iran. Across all settings, high levels of dental caries, periodontal destruction, tooth loss, and inadequate prosthetic rehabilitation were observed. OHRQoL was consistently reduced, with the poorest scores among individuals with multimorbidity and functional impairment. Comorbidities and polypharmacy showed strong associations with compromised oral health and diminished OHRQoL.
CONCLUSION: Oral diseases remained a major public-health concern among geriatric adults. The strong influence of comorbidities, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy on oral health underscored the need for integrating oral healthcare into routine geriatric services. Targeted preventive strategies, improved accessibility, and interdisciplinary care approaches are essential to enhance functional well-being and quality of life in ageing populations.
PMID:41385468