Quality of life as an indicator of oral health in older people

Background. Quality of life is dynamic, fluctuating and resilent; it has both positive and negative attributes and is influenced by personal and social expectations. However, it is difficult to measure the experience in a way that is clinically relevant and useful. Methods. The author examined the literature relating to the assessment and measurement of quality of life as influenced by oral health. Results. It is difficult to interpret the clinical relevance of measurements from questionnaires or structured interviews that use predetermined response options to indicate health-related quality of life. In contrast, open-ended interviews and focus groups have helped to clarify the mouth's effect on the quality of life of older people. They also have helped to construct a new model of oral health that is consistent with current concepts of aging and disability. Clinical Implications. The new model of oral health offers the possibility of developing interviews and questionnaires using language that has the scope and sensitivity needed to reveal the positive strategies that older people use to manage their oral health and quality of life.