Method: The study design was cross-sectional, data were collected from one NH in Reykjavík n = 45. Data were collected by clinical oral examination using WHO oral health-survey criteria and using structured interview using the Oral Health Impact Profile OHIP-49. The questionnaire collected self-perspective data of negative aspects of OHQoL addressing: functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability and handicap. Variables were coded for descriptive and analytical statistical data processing, computed using IBM SPSS 20. The independent variable was OH, and dependent variables were scores on OHIP subscales. Multivariable models were used to investigate differences related to three prosthodontic status groups and variance in OHQoL, controlled for demographic variables (covariance).
Result: The study was completed by 38 subjects: 13 male and 25 female. Mean age of participants was 85.5y ±5.6. Missing teeth in the group were 71,5%, ( female 75%, male 64.8%). The prevalence of complete dentures was 52.3%. Wearing dentures in the mandible was statically significantly related to: functional limitation, physical disability and handicap. A factorial ANOVA model controlled for: education, gender, age, lower dentures, D3MFT was statically significant F(16.35) = 2.44, p< 0.05 and the model explained 68.4% of variance of scoring on functional limitation subscale.
Conclusion: Dental and prosthetic status in the mandibular region affects QoL of the elderly living in NH. This negative effect limits functions such as tasting, smelling, eating, speaking and communicating, physical ability related to TMJ, headache and less satisfaction with life and worsening general health.