The Relationship between Oral Health and Sleep Quality in Community‑Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: The assessment of the sleep status of older adults and its relationship to oral health can help determine their well‑being  and quality of life. In accordance with this purpose, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health and sleep quality in  community‑dwelling older adults in an urban area. 

Materials and Methods: The data of this study were taken from the Kayseri Elderly  Health Study. The study group was administered a questionnaire form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A specialist dentist  examined the oral health conditions (dentures use; caries; deficient, filled, natural teeth numbers; periodontal health) using the  Community Periodontal Index and the Oral Health Impact Profile‑14 (OHIP‑14‑TR). 

Results: One hundred forty (38.1%) of the study group  were female, and 227 (61.9%) were male. When evaluated in terms of oral hygiene, there was a statistically significant difference  between those with good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in terms of mechanical interventions such as using toothpaste and an  inter‑dental brush, and also, OHIP‑14‑TR was significant. In the binary logistic regression analysis, OHIP‑14‑TR was found to be a  significant risk factor, reflecting only the subjective interpretation of the older adults in terms of oral health‑related quality of life (odds  ratio: 1.069, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.043–1.096). 

Conclusion: This is the first epidemiologic study to examine the relationship  between oral health status and sleep quality, in which many oral health indicators are evaluated together in Turkish community‑dwelling  older adults. OHIP‑14‑TR may be a useful tool to employ in sleep disorder clinics for older people.