Relationship between gerotranscendence and oral health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between gerotranscendence and oral health-related quality of life (OHR-QOL). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between gerotranscendence and OHR-QOL. METHODS: Participants (total n = 1969; 70-year-old group, n = 999; 80-year-old group, n = 970) were drawn from resident lists in four areas of Japan: one urban area and one rural area in each of two geographical regions. OHR-QOL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Measurement of occlusal force was performed using pressure-sensitive sheets. Gerotranscendence was assessed with the Japanese Gerotranscendence Scale Revised (JGS-R). We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the relationships among OHR-QOL and other variables. RESULTS: Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index score was significantly correlated with occlusal force, number of teeth, financial status and JGS-R score on linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Degree of gerotranscendence was significantly and independently correlated with degree of OHR-QOL in our sample.