Gerodontology最新文献

{"title":"Oral Frailty and Social Frailty Among Older Japanese.","authors":"Isi Susanti, Hazem Abbas, Kenji Takeuchi, Jun Aida, Ken Osaka","doi":"10.1111/ger.70056","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the association between oral frailty (OF) and social frailty (SF) among independent community-dwelling older adults in Japan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2022 wave of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) including 19,319 functionally independent older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Oral frailty was used as an exposure variable in four ways: (1) a categorical variable (robust = 0, pre-frail = 1, frail ≥ 2), (2) count score (sum of 5 OF components), (3) individual OF components and (4) a combined variable for the four oral functions. SF was measured using the 5-item index (SF-5; robust = 0, pre-frail = 1, frail ≥ 2). Missing data were handled via multiple imputation. Ordered logistic regression models were used after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were 48.4% males and aged 65-104 years. SF prevalence was 28.3% (n = 5466). In the adjusted models, oral frail individuals had higher odds of being socially frail (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.26-1.45) than the robust group and the highest oral frailty score (score 5) showed the highest odds (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.50-4.27) for SF. In addition, among OF components, dry mouth had the strongest association (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.20-1.38), and those with four diminished oral functions were more likely to be socially frail (OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.53-3.82). Overall, a clear gradient-like pattern was observed with more oral frailty linked to higher odds of social frailty.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>OF and its components were associated with SF among older adults in Japan. These findings might suggest the need for integrated screening and preventive strategies to mitigate social vulnerability linked to oral functional decline.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":"252-260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146213002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-Existence of Divergent Oral Care Approaches in Danish Aged Care: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Linnea Eisemann de Almeida, Louise Folker, Christina Andersen, Astrid Pernille Jespersen, Esben Boeskov Øzhayat","doi":"10.1111/ger.70041","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Care approaches to oral health are shaped by the perspectives of both aged care and dental care professionals. This study provides a new and comprehensive understanding of how these two professional groups conceptualise and address oral care for care-dependent older adults.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Researchers conducted 13 focus group discussions with 4-6 participants each in two Danish municipalities within the Lifelong Oral Health research project: nine with aged care staff and four with managers from aged care and dental care. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental care staff. The research was guided by a qualitative methodological framework using inductive thematic analysis to explore participants' experiences and perspectives.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Aged care and dental care staff held varying perspectives on four distinct care approaches: (1) knowledge of oral health; (2) prioritisation of oral health; (3) care practice in relation to oral health; (4) handling refusal of oral care. In contrast to dental care staff, aged care staff had rudimentary oral health knowledge and prioritised other care tasks over oral care. Aged care staff took a rehabilitative approach to oral care, whereas dental care staff favoured a compensatory approach. Aged care staff stated that the right to self-determination overruled the duty of care presented by dental care staff when patients refused oral care. These differences affected daily oral care practices and collaboration between both staff groups, who both endorsed better collaboration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Divergent care approaches to oral care between aged care and dental care staff can hinder good oral health in care-dependent older adults. To enhance oral health in older adults, this article identifies four divergent approaches and explores how they challenge inter-professional collaboration.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":"211-220"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145899409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"'Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie' or Taking Action on Oral Care? A Qualitative Study With Informal Caregivers of Frail Home-Dwelling Older Persons.","authors":"Ellen Baele, Aster De Vleeschauwer, Fien Mertens, Natalie Hoste, Louise Poppe, Peter Pype, Barbara Janssens","doi":"10.1111/ger.70044","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore informal caregivers' perspectives concerning support in oral care for frail home-dwelling older persons (FHOPs), while identifying their needs and barriers at the IC-FHOP as well as the IC-healthcare professional level.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>FHOPs' oral health is a global concern. Health determinants ranging from the individual up to the public policy level shape oral health. Informal caregivers' perspectives on these topics are underexamined for oral health, despite their key role in supporting FHOPs and connecting them to professional care.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with informal caregivers of older adults from urban and rural areas in Flanders (Belgium), with a Groningen Frailty Index equal to or greater than 4. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample comprised 19 informal caregivers (ICs) aged 53-87 years. Four themes were identified: (1) When words matter: the (un)spoken role of oral care in informal caregiving, (2) Balancing care and independence: the role of ICs in FHOPs' daily oral care, (3) Between necessity and accessibility: the role of ICs in FHOPs' dental visits, and (4) Ensuring oral health together: the collaboration with professionals. ICs' oral care involvement varied, influenced by knowledge, confidence, and support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study emphasises the vital role of ICs in supporting FHOPs' oral care, yet they often lack role clarity, confidence, and guidance. Enhancing education and support for both ICs and healthcare professionals is essential to promote person-centred oral care and collaboration.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":"221-233"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145911034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consideration of Oral Health Within Guidelines and Policy Documents Focused on Nutritional Status and Dietary Intake for Older Adults in Care Homes in the UK: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Sachi Makino, Jayne Woodside, Aziza Sallam, Noleen McCorry, Michelle Harvey, Anja Heilmann, Caroline Lappin, Clare McEvoy, Gary Mitchell, Sinead Watson, Ciaran O'Neill, Georgios Tsakos, Paul Brocklehurst, Gerry McKenna","doi":"10.1111/ger.70032","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Older care home residents are particularly vulnerable to both malnutrition and chronic dental diseases, such as caries and periodontal disease. While high-sugar oral nutritional supplements and fortified foods are commonly used to prevent undernutrition, excessive sugar intake increases the risk of dental caries. Despite the well-established interplay between nutrition and oral health, existing guidelines and policy documents tend to address these aspects separately, resulting in fragmented care. This study aims to examine how oral health is considered within guidelines and policy documents focused on nutritional status and dietary intake for care home residents in the United Kingdom.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A systematic search identified UK and Irish based guidelines and policy documents addressing both nutrition and oral health in care homes. Documents exclusively covering either nutrition or oral health were excluded. Data were extracted, reviewed and analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve documents were included: five nutritional documents incorporating oral health and seven oral health documents referencing dietary intake. Nutritional documents acknowledged sugar-related oral health risks but lacked practical caries prevention strategies. Oral health documents emphasised sugar restriction and hygiene but provided limited guidance on balancing nutritional adequacy with oral health preservation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current guidelines and policy documents insufficiently integrate oral health and nutrition, resulting in fragmented care. Future policies should adopt an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating evidence-based dietary and oral health strategies to improve care home residents' well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":"137-158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140016/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145849399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effective Treatment With Olanzapine for Burning Mouth Syndrome With Denture Intolerance in an Older Patient: A Case Report.","authors":"Motoko Watanabe, Masanao Inokoshi, Chizuko Maeda, Chihiro Takao, Risa Tominaga, Yasuyuki Kimura, Takahiko Nagamine, Akira Toyofuku","doi":"10.1111/ger.70045","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is occasionally accompanied by denture intolerance.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>An 80-year-old woman with complaints of residual and relapsed intraoral pain and denture intolerance due to BMS was improved by olanzapine without severe adverse events, and her eating ability was successfully restored.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case suggests that olanzapine may be an optional treatment for denture intolerance as well as BMS pain in older adult patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":"272-275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140003/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding Oral Health Management for People Living With Dementia: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.","authors":"Jia Yin Ruan, Xiang Qi, Jin Su, Weiyu Mao, Yuning Xie, Junwen Yu, Jing Wang, Bei Wu","doi":"10.1111/ger.70091","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with dementia often experience oral health problems, and managing oral health in this population presents numerous challenges. Although qualitative data have presented these challenges from multiple perspectives, there remains a lack of qualitative evidence synthesis. This paper aimed to synthesize available qualitative evidence on the perceptions and experiences of oral health management for people living with dementia from the perspectives of patients, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and social workers across diverse contexts.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registered Number: CRD420251110648). This review was conducted and reported in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. We searched 11 databases and grey literature sources from inception to July 2025. We included qualitative designs or mixed-methods designs in which qualitative data were analysed separately from quantitative data and that addressed oral health management for people living with dementia. Studies published in English or Chinese were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies. Data were analysed through thematic synthesis, and confidence in the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixteen studies were synthesized, yielding three themes: (1) recognizing the importance of oral health for people living with dementia as a process, (2) oral health management for people living with dementia having unique requirements, and (3) learning to manage oral health for people living with dementia across multiple domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights critical gaps in oral health management for people living with dementia, emphasizing the need for oral health continuity of care, shared decision-making in oral health, and creating dementia-friendly oral health practice environments. These findings provide direction for practice and research aimed at improving person-centered oral care.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Older Adults' Oral Health in Institutional Care: Caregiver and Resident Perspectives on Challenges and Coping Strategies.","authors":"Aisyah Mohd Abu Bakar, Noor Nazahiah Bakri, Norashikin Yusof","doi":"10.1111/ger.70095","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ger.70095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Older adults in nursing homes experience complex oral health needs, yet oral care is often under-prioritised in long-term care settings. In Malaysia, evidence examining oral health practices within nursing homes remains limited, particularly in relation to daily oral care and service delivery.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore oral health challenges and coping strategies among older residents and caregivers in Malaysian nursing homes and to identify system-level factors influencing daily oral care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 10 residents and five focus group discussions, together with one individual interview, involving a total of 21 caregivers across six nursing homes (five private and one government) in Selangor. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's approach. Trustworthiness was enhanced through triangulation of resident and caregiver data, peer debriefing and cross-checking transcripts against field notes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five themes described oral health experiences in nursing homes. Residents reported challenges related to functional decline, denture discomfort and mild cognitive limitations. Structural and institutional barriers constrained access to oral care and dental services. Caregivers played a critical role in maintaining daily oral care but encountered challenges related to limited training, workload pressures and behavioural resistance, which may compromise residents' quality of life. Both residents and caregivers adopted adaptive coping strategies, while support from families, facilities and structured training acted as key facilitators.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Oral health in Malaysian nursing homes is shaped by the interaction of resident capacity, caregiver preparedness and institutional context. Strengthening caregiver training, ensuring consistent oral care resources and integrating routine dental services into long-term care are critical to improving oral health outcomes for residents.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of Non-Dental Professional Caregivers in Oral Health Assessment Using the Oral Health Screener: Caregiver-Dentist Agreement and Inter-Rater Reliability.","authors":"Patricia Ann Ivonne Vandenbulcke, Dries De Witte, Emilie Schoebrechts, Jan De Lepeleire, Anja Declercq, Dominique Declerck, Joke Duyck, Johanna de Almeida Mello","doi":"10.1111/ger.70093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ger.70093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate caregiver-dentist agreement and inter-rater reliability of the Oral Health Screener (OHS) following its optimisation for use in long-term care and to examine the effect of different caregiver OHS training modalities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective reliability and agreement study was nested within a 2-year cluster-randomised controlled trial in Flemish nursing homes (Belgium). Professional caregivers and dentists independently assessed residents' oral health using the OHS every 6 months across five timepoints, blinded to each other's assessments. Caregivers received either e-learning only (IG1) or e-learning combined with on-site training (IG2). Agreement was analysed using percent agreement, Cohen's kappa, prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) and logistic generalised linear mixed models (GLMM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-one caregivers from six facilities and eight dentists assessed 193 residents. Within groups, IG1 showed higher agreement with dentists for self-reported items (GLMM 0.46-0.58) than for inspection-based OHS items (GLMM 0.10-0.48), whereas this difference was less pronounced in IG2 (self-reported items: GLMM 0.45-0.95, inspection-based items: GLMM 0.35-0.92). Comparing groups, GLMM analyses indicated overall higher reliability in IG2 for most items, except for chewing difficulty. Exploratory analyses suggested that longitudinal patterns varied across items. Inter-caregiver reliability analyses were exploratory due to the limited number of paired assessments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Non-dental professional caregivers showed acceptable agreement with dentists when assessing residents' oral health using the OHS. Although agreement varied across items due to prevalence and marginal imbalances, the findings suggest the potential added value of training and support when using the OHS as a first-line screening tool in care-dependent older adults.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06536322 (July 23, 2024).</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148014952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improving Oral Care in Stroke Patients: Patients' and Carers' Experiences of Oral Care in a Hospital Environment Following Acute Stroke.","authors":"Hazel Dickinson, Catherine Elizabeth Lightbody, StJohn Crean, Caroline Watkins","doi":"10.1111/ger.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ger.70089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the thoughts and feelings of stroke patients and their carers (family/guardians) about oral care during hospitalisation, and (in turn) inform future research and service development.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and associated physical and cognitive impairments can compromise oral care and oral health-related quality of life. Despite its importance, oral care is under-researched in stroke services, with limited evidence to underpin clinical guidelines, particularly from the perspective of patients and carers.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Qualitative research based on interpretive inquiry. A convenience sample of 10 patients requiring assistance with oral care and six carers of stroke patients who lacked capacity were recruited from two Stroke Units from two large teaching hospitals in the Northwest of England, UK. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences of oral care during hospital admission. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five main themes were identified: Attitudes to oral health; In-hospital oral care; Factors affecting in-hospital oral care; Impact on the patient; and Facilitators to oral care. Patient and carers explained that having the opportunity to address their oral care and oral comfort was important for their well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Oral care is an essential but often overlooked aspect of stroke recovery, with patients and carers valuing comfort and hygiene despite inconsistent provision. Embedding routine assessment, reliable resources, staff education and family involvement into stroke protocols could reduce complications and establish oral care as a standard, patient-centred practise.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147928460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychosocial Implications of Tooth Loss and Dental Rehabilitation in Vulnerable Edentulous Older Adults in Chile: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Karen Danke Hausdorf, M Alejandro Castro, Ingeborg Bevensee Canavati, Ana Beatriz Silva Lopes, Viviana García, Carol Chandia, Jorge Gamonal","doi":"10.1111/ger.70090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ger.70090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Complete tooth loss remains highly prevalent among older adults and disproportionately affects the most disadvantaged. Although the functional consequences of edentulism and subsequent rehabilitation are well documented, its psychological and emotional implications, particularly in vulnerable older populations, are less explored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore the psychological and emotional impact of tooth loss and complete denture rehabilitation among a sample of vulnerable edentulous older adults in Chile.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A qualitative narrative study with a hermeneutic orientation was conducted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 completely edentulous adults aged 70-80 years who had received free comprehensive dental rehabilitation (conventional complete dentures or implant-retained mandibular overdentures) through a publicly funded program in a highly deprived urban area. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using thematic narrative analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two overarching categories emerged: psychological suffering and impact of dental rehabilitation on psychological well-being. Psychological suffering was characterised by shame related to appearance, erosion of identity and self-esteem, fear of social judgement leading to social withdrawal, and the aggravating role of economic deprivation. Tooth loss generated profound emotional distress extending beyond functional impairment, often remaining hidden yet substantially affecting social participation and sense of self. In contrast, dental rehabilitation was perceived as transformative, restoring not only oral function but also confidence, dignity, social engagement and emotional well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Tooth loss is a significant source of psychological suffering in later life, particularly among socioeconomically vulnerable older adults, with adverse effects on social participation and well-being that may be mitigated through timely access to adequate dental rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12583,"journal":{"name":"Gerodontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147928390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}