Determinants of oral functions and oral frailty in older community-dwelling individuals: a comprehensive analysis.

Correlation analysis revealed significantly strong to low correlations between determinants of oral function in older individuals.

• Correlations ranged from strong (rs = -0.79) to low (rs = -0.11)
• All reported correlations were statistically significant at p < .001
• Oral functions assessed included dental status, saliva secretion, orofacial muscle strength, masticatory performance, and swallowing function
• Cross-sectional study with n = 206 older community-dwelling individuals

Cluster analysis identified three major groups of oral function among older individuals.

• Cluster analysis was employed to explore the complexities of oral function determinants and their interrelationships
• Three distinct clusters of oral function were successfully identified
• The study used correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression as analytical methods

Chewing strokes, natural teeth, and tongue pressure were significant predictors of age in older individuals.

• Multiple linear regression with backward elimination was used to identify predictors
• All three predictors — chewing strokes, natural teeth, and tongue pressure — were significant at p < .001
• These findings suggest these oral function measures change meaningfully with age

The prevalence of poor oral functions across specific domains was estimated in the older community-dwelling sample.

• Prevalence of poor dental status was estimated at 9.7%
• Prevalence of reduced tongue pressure strength was estimated at 14.6%
• Prevalence of low saliva secretion rate was estimated at 8.3%
• These estimates were derived from a cross-sectional sample of n = 206 older individuals

Aging alters oral structures and affects chewing and swallowing function, making oral function an important component of systemic health in older individuals.

• The study comprehensively evaluated various oral function determinants and their age-related changes
• Oral functions were objectively assessed through dental status, saliva secretion, orofacial muscle strength, masticatory performance, and swallowing function
• Understanding age-related changes in oral function is described as crucial for oral health care
• Findings were characterized as potentially critical in identifying the phenotypic profile of people with poor oral function