Oral mucosal lesions and oral health-related quality of life (GOHAI) in nursing home residents and community-dwelling older adults in Türkiye: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and oral health-related quality of life between nursing home residents (NHR) and community-dwelling older adults (CDA) in Türkiye. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study included 639 individuals aged ≥ 65 years: 329 NHR from seven state-authorized nursing homes and 310 CDA attending a university dental clinic between July 2024 and January 2025. Demographics, systemic conditions, denture use, and dental visit history were recorded. Oral mucosal lesions were identified through standardized examinations by a blinded oral medicine specialist. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using the validated Turkish version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-TR). Group comparisons employed Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: NHR had higher denture use (p = 0.001) and more Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular disease, whereas CDA had more ischemic heart disease, smoking, and xerostomia (p < 0.05). Candidiasis and angular cheilitis were more common in NHR, while oral lichen planus, ulcerative lesions, and fissured tongue predominated in CDA. Red–blue lesions, particularly sublingual varicosities, were more frequent in CDA (41.6% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.009). CDA had higher GOHAI functional limitation scores (p = 0.001), indicating better self-perceived oral function, while NHR scored higher in pain/discomfort (p = 0.006). No significant differences were observed in psychological impact or total GOHAI scores. CONCLUSION: NHR exhibited greater functional limitations and higher rates of infectious oral diseases. Personalized oral care strategies, including specialist-led assessments, targeted infection prevention, and structured caregiver training, are needed in long-term care to preserve oral function and quality of life in older adults.