Prognostic Significance of Oral Frailty on the All-Cause Mortality

Abstract

Background: As the proportion of elderly population grows, it raises concern about impaired oral health which has been reported to be associated with increased risk of numerous adverse health events. Emerging study defined oral frailty as poor oral health accumulation and demonstrated that oral frailty was a risk factor of disability, physical frailty and mortality. In this study, we examined the association between modified oral frailty and all-cause mortality in the Unites States. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 8,382 participants who completed oral functions data from 1999-2002 NHANES database were recruited. Modified oral frailty included 3 components: limited eating ability, dry mouth and difficult swallowing, which were obtained from self-reported questionnaire. For primary outcome, all-cause mortality was followed from baseline to death or 2006. The relationship of modified oral frailty and all-cause mortality was assessed by Cox regression model. Results: A statistically significant relationship between modified oral frailty and all-cause mortality was observed in fully adjusted model. Participants with more components of modified oral frailty had worse risk of all-cause mortality. Limited eating ability was inversely associated with muscle strength, telomere length. Conclusion: Modified oral frailty which obtained from an easy self-assessment survey might be a potential risk factor for all-cause mortality and could be applied to general health examination. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered