Exploring the Link Between Oral Health and Self-Care Difficulty in Older Adults

The aging population in the United States continues to grow, emphasizing the need to promote independence and healthy aging. Oral health is an important indicator of overall well-being. Occupational therapists (OTs) are positioned to address oral health. This study examined the relationship between oral health and functional independence in self-care tasks among older adults. A secondary analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, years 2011-2018, was conducted with 4,791 adults aged 65 and older. A multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for self-care difficulty associated with oral health variables. Poorer self-reported oral health and less frequent flossing were significantly associated with difficulty in self-care tasks. Education, income, and age also demonstrated significant relationships with difficulty in self-care tasks. OTs should integrate oral health interventions into practice to enhance functional independence among older adults.