OHRQoL and related factors in patients wearing removable dentures

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and behavior variables, oral characteristics and denture factors that could influence the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients wearing removable.

Material and Methods: The sample included 61 partially and completely edentulous individuals. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) determined the OHRQoL. Sociodemographic and behavior indicators were registered. Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders were evaluated, as well the severity and time of edentulism, the number of occlusal pairs, the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, and the presence of denture stomatitis were also determined. The type and time of the denture use, occlusal vertical dimension, integrity and hygiene of the current denture, and the number of dentures previously used were evaluated. The data analysis employed Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests, and logistic regression.  

Results: The OHIP-14 scores were moderate or high in 45.91% of the sample. The worst ratings were obtained for psychological discomfort and physical pain. Only denture time showed a protective role against the low oral health-related quality of life (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggest that higher satisfaction with the removable denture and the longer denture time are variables that influence oral health-related quality of life, but only denture time has a protective role against the worst quality of life rates.