Evaluation of salivary flow, level of anxiety, and quality of life among elderly patients rehabilitated with removable prostheses

Abstract

Background: Complete or partial edentulous patients have difficulties performing functional tasks such as eating, chewing, and speaking, and this may affect their quality of life. The successful rehabilitation of these patients depends on emotional and psychosocial factors and on patients’ expectation regarding rehabilitation.Objectives: To examine the effect of complete or partial removable prostheses on quality of life, salivary flow, and anxiety level of wearers. Methods: Total and partial bimaxillary edentulous patients who needed rehabilitation by complete or partial removable prostheses were selected. The quality of life, salivary flow, and level of anxiety of patients were assessed using the following questionnaires: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index, Visual Analog Scale for xerostomia, and Anxiety Inventory. The questionnaires were used at three time points: three months before the insertion of the prostheses, at the time of insertion, and three months after the insertion of the prostheses.Results: Our study cohort included more women (62.5%) than men (37.5%), with an average age of 65.25 years. The insertion of removable prostheses significantly influenced the quality of life, anxiety level, and salivary flow of its wearers, while decreasing the sensation of xerostomia.Conclusions: It was deduced that the insertion of complete or partial removable prostheses influences the quality of life, anxiety level, and salivary flow of its wearers.

Effect of Denture Hygiene Protocols on Patient Satisfaction, Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life, and Salivary Parameters: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…2 Older patients typically use many medications which can influence their average salivary flow and the ability to moisten and protect the oral mucosal membranes. 13 Antihypertensive and antidepressant medications may be correlated with xerostomia, 23 making these participants more vulnerable to changes in the oral microbiota. 20,23 Even though changes in the salivary parameters tested were not significant at the evaluated times, improvements in salivary quality may have occurred and may correlate with more comfortable clinical conditions for the use of dentures.…”

“…Older patients typically use many medications which can influence their average salivary flow and the ability to moisten and protect the oral mucosal membranes 13 . Antihypertensive and antidepressant medications may be correlated with xerostomia, 23 making these participants more vulnerable to changes in the oral microbiota 20,23 .…”

“…For example, reduced salivary flow has been correlated with advanced age, use of medications, depression, anxiety, diseases of the salivary glands, Sjögren syndrome, head and neck radiation therapy, and other systemic conditions, and, consequently, reduced OHRQoL. 13 The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of four hygiene protocols on patient satisfaction, OHRQoL, and salivary parameters in denture stomatitis (DS)-positive complete-denture users. The null hypothesis was that the effects of the hygiene protocols evaluated would present similar results.…”

“…Additionally, other situations may influence OHRQoL. For example, reduced salivary flow has been correlated with advanced age, use of medications, depression, anxiety, diseases of the salivary glands, Sjögren syndrome, head and neck radiation therapy, and other systemic conditions, and, consequently, reduced OHRQoL. 13 …”

Oral Conditions as Risk Factors for Low Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among the Elderly Population in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…This suggestion is based on previous research which proved that the use of dentures in elderly patients who lost their teeth partially or completely can increase OHRQoL, reduce anxiety, and feel more saliva secretion. 45 The lack of salivary secretion might also cause a variety of disorders in the oral cavity, such as poor oral hygiene, dental caries, periodontal disease, and burning sensation, which will eventually induce pain. Disruption of mastication perceived by the individuals from tooth loss might increase the possibility of an individual withdrawing from social interactions.…”