Is root caries more likely to occur among older adults with multimorbidity?

Abstract

Background: Root caries, a prevalent dental condition in the older population, substantially impacts oral health and overall quality of life. It leads to tooth surface loss, pain, and increased risk of periodontal disease, affecting nutrition, psychological well-being, and social interactions. Effective prevention and management are crucial. Multimorbidity, is prevalent in older populations and can influence various health outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between multimorbidity and root caries in older American adults. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020, this cross-sectional study focused on adults aged 60 years and older. The presence of root caries or root restoration was assessed through clinical dental examinations. Multimorbidity was identified by the existence of nine chronic diseases, namely, diabetes, asthma, cancer, heart attack, stroke, angina, chronic pulmonary disease, kidney diseases, and arthritis. Logistic regression models were used in this study to evaluate the association between multimorbidity and root caries, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, and dental care access. Results: Among the 2486 participants (mean age: 69.3 years), 23% had root caries, while 43% had multimorbidity (two or more conditions). Root caries prevalence was higher in individuals with multimorbidity. However, after adjusting for confounders, multimorbidity’s association with root caries did not show statistically significant results (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.88-1.18). Significant associations were found between root caries and smoking (OR = 4.67 for current smokers vs. never smokers) and income to-poverty ratio, with lower ratios linked to higher root caries prevalence. Conclusion: While multimorbidity alone did not show a significant impact on root caries prevalence, lifestyle factors, particularly smoking and socioeconomic status, played critical roles. Addressing these modifiable risk factors and improving access to dental care are essential for enhancing oral health outcomes in older adults. Additional studies are required to investigate the intricate interactions of factors influencing oral health in this demographic.