Correlation of dental status and denture use with functional disability (VES-13) and frailty syndrome (Fried phenotype) in Polish older adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Tooth loss is highly prevalent among older adults and may contribute to frailty and functional decline, yet population-based data from Central and Eastern Europe remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of dental status and denture use with 2 indicators of vulnerability - frailty and functional impairment - in a nationally representative sample of older adults in Poland.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from 5,457 participants aged ≥60 years who were enrolled in the PolSenior2 study (2018-2019) was analyzed. Dental status was categorized as functional dentition (≥20 teeth), partial dentition (1-19 teeth) or edentulism (0 teeth), with or without denture use. Outcomes included frailty (Fried phenotype ≥3) and functional vulnerability (Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) score ≥3). Descriptive analyses were performed and weighted multivariable logistic regression models were applied, with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), education level, place of residence, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Edentulism was independently associated with increased odds of frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.08-2.01) and functional vulnerability (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.10-1.74). Denture use was correlated with lower odds of these outcomes. Partial dentition showed a weaker association, which was statistically significant only for functional vulnerability (VES-13). Male sex was associated with lower odds of both outcomes. A clear gradient was observed across dental categories, from functional dentition to untreated edentulism.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth loss, particularly when uncorrected by dentures, is a strong, independent marker of frailty and functional vulnerability in older adults. Denture use is associated with lower odds of these conditions but does not fully restore the benefits of natural dentition. Oral health assessment and access to prosthetic rehabilitation should be integrated into geriatric care and public health strategies to support healthy aging.