An Analysis of the Relevance Between the Number of Natural and Implant Teeth and the Oral Health Quality of Life of the Elderly

Abstract

The number of teeth is a very important factor not only for the physical and oral health but also the mental area, and hence, it affects the quality of life. This study sought to find out the relationship between the number of teeth and oral health quality of life, and among them, the difference between the number of natural teeth and the number of implant teeth was analyzed. The data were collected through an aging research panel survey in 2018, and a total of 6,922 elderly people aged 55 years or older were analyzed using the chi-square test, multiple sample design, and the multiple linear regression analysis. As a result of the multiple linear regression analysis performed on the number of natural teeth, implant teeth, and oral health quality of life, as the number of natural teeth increased by one unit, the quality of oral health life increased by 0.004 points. In the case of the number of implant teeth, an increase of one unit increased the oral health quality of life by 0.005 points. In this study, the positive correlation between the number of natural and implant teeth and oral health quality of life was confirmed. Based on which, to effectively improve the oral health quality of life of the elderly, the number of implant teeth when it is difficult to maintain, preserve, or prevent natural teeth, increasing the number of implant teeth is suggested as one way. To this end, it may be predicted that by expanding support for implant teeth, it will ultimately help improve the oral health of the elderly, resulting in the improved overall quality of life.