earticle

영어

Background: This study was aimed at obtaining basic data necessary to develop alternatives to improve the oral health-related quality of life of the elderly by investigating dry mouth and oral health-related quality of life of patients visiting the N Dental Clinic in Jeollanam-do. Methods: From November 2021 to September 2022, data were collected using a self-report survey of adults aged 50 years or older. Of the 300 questionnaires collected, 280 had insufficient data because of missing entries. Results: Analyzing the satisfaction level of oral health-related quality of life according to the participants’ medical use and subjective oral health recognition, “what do you think your oral health is like” showed significant differences (p< 0.001). Dry mouth and satisfaction were positively correlated with the oral health-related quality of life (β=0.42, p= 0.00). Factors affecting the quality of life related to oral health were “total score of oral dryness” (β= 0.395) and “what do you think your oral health is like” (β=0.224). Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that systematic intervention, such as oral health programs, suitable for age may improve the oral health-related quality of life.