Abstract

Identifying factors that promote healthy aging is essential. Therefore, we tested the influence of edentate seniors’ oral health related quality of life on their perceived general health. Oral health, quality of life and perceived general health of two hundred twenty five edentate elders were assessed following restoration with two types of oral rehabilitation. Outcomes were measured pre and post treatment with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20) and the SF-36. The regression model demonstrated, after controlling for socioeconomic variables and type of treatment, OHIP pre and final scores (p<0.001) and SF-36 physical component baseline scores (p<0.001) predict physical component final scores. Thus, preserving oral health related quality of life is an important factor in maintaining seniors’ perceived physical health.