What is the societal economic cost of poor oral health among older adults in the United States? A scoping review

A scoping review of the economic impact of family oral health: Implications for public health, research, and policy

OBJECTIVES

To summarize evidence on the impact of oral health on individual and family economic outcomes, describe trends in the literature, and identify areas for additional research to inform public health research and practice.

METHODS

Searches were conducted within PubMed, CINAHL, EconLit, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and Web of Science databases. Article review, selection, abstraction, and reporting processes were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.

RESULTS

Of 2758 unduplicated records identified, 52 met inclusion criteria. Study outcomes included indicators of employment/employability (n = 9), earnings/earnings potential (n = 26), parent missed work and family financial impacts of child oral health (n = 19), and financial loss (n = 3). Dental caries-related variables were the most common predictors of poorer economic outcomes. Other oral health problems, such as poorer dental functioning or poorer self-reported oral health status, also were associated with adverse economic outcomes. Significant associations with employment were found among studies that assessed interventions designed to improve oral health. Only one study estimated the impact of oral health on earnings. One-third of studies conducted multivariable analyses, and 14% incorporated race and ethnicity variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Although existing evidence suggests associations between oral health problems and poorer economic outcomes, there is a substantial need for more rigorous research to better understand the extent of economic impact of oral health problems and which populations are most affected. Additional high-quality research is needed to inform which interventions are most likely to improve oral health, reduce adverse economic impacts, and promote health and economic equity.

The role of intergenerational support in shaping oral healthcare-seeking behavior among older adults in China

Background

This study aimed to explore how intergenerational support affects the oral healthcare or treatment-seeking behaviors of older Chinese adults and provide evidence for improving the oral health of the older adults in an aging society.

Methods

Data from a cross-sectional survey, the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, were used to explore the relationship between oral healthcare-seeking behavior in older adults and various independent variables, such as marital status, number of children, offspring's education duration, parent-offspring interaction frequency, and financial/material support provided by children. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used.

Results

According to the results of data analysis, age, sex, marital status, cohabitation status, number of children, children's education level, and financial support from children affected older adults' oral healthcare-seeking behavior. Interviewees living with a partner and those who had 1-2 or 3-4 children showed different likelihoods of seeking oral healthcare. Moreover, interviewees whose children had higher education duration and those who received more financial/material support from their children were more likely to seek dental treatment.

Conclusion

Regarding the study's outcome, financial and emotional support, as well as practical assistance from family members can significantly promote oral health-seeking behavior among older adult people. Intergenerational support can serve as a crucial mechanism for promoting oral health behaviors among the older adults or act as a valuable complement to social medical assistance, warranting increased attention.

Oral health equity for rural communities: where are we now and where can we go from here?

Oral health is embedded in overall health and contributes to physical, social and mental wellbeing. Most diseases are preventable, and yet, oral diseases pose a significant public health problem and an economic burden globally. Poor oral health is a risk factor for certain systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lung pathologies. Rural populations are disproportionately affected by oral disease, with higher levels of periodontal disease, caries and the loss of teeth. These issues are worsened by barriers in access to oral healthcare services and minimal promotion of healthy behaviours in rural communities. Certain interventions, including mobile dental clinics, teledentistry, dental outreach camps and educational initiatives, have been successful in addressing rural challenges. Policies and action plans should be considered by public health officials to reduce the disparities in oral health among rural communities, reduce the overall burden of oral health and promote health equity.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2021 dental literature in restorative dentistry to inform busy dentists regarding noteworthy scientific and clinical progress over the past year. Each member of the committee brings discipline-specific expertise to coverage of this broad topical area. Specific subject areas addressed, in order of the appearance in this report, include COVID-19 and the dental profession (new); prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; implant dentistry; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence daily dental treatment decisions with an emphasis on future trends in dentistry. With the tremendous volume of dentistry and related literature being published daily, this review cannot possibly be comprehensive. Rather, its purpose is to update interested readers and provide important resource material for those interested in pursuing greater details on their own. It remains our intent to assist colleagues in negotiating the extensive volume of important information being published annually. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in successfully managing the patients and dental problems they encounter.