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Objective: To determine whether tooth loss relates to patient experiences of masticatory or aesthetic problems and is a useful measure of oral health and treatment needs and to compare experiences of tooth loss among middle-aged and older Danes. Basic research design: Cross sectional online- and telephone interview questionnaire study. Participants: 1,060 Danish citizens aged 40 years or older. Main outcome measures: Experiences of difficulties eating/enjoying food or smiling/showing of teeth due to tooth related problems within the last 6 months. Data analysis used tests of proportions and ordinal logistic regression. Results: Half the participants had a full or almost full dentition. Among those with tooth loss, 21-44% reported difficulties eating/enjoying food. In ordinal logistic regression, difficulties eating were associated with being younger, having fewer teeth and having visibly missing teeth. Being unwilling to smile or show one's teeth was associated with being younger, having fewer teeth, having lower socioeconomic position and having visibly missing teeth. Wearing a prosthesis did not ameliorate eating difficulties or unwillingness to smile. Conclusions: Tooth loss is a meaningful measure of oral health but cannot stand alone. Many adults with even substantial tooth loss did not experience functional or aesthetic problems. Tooth loss is associated with negative masticatory and aesthetic experiences among middle-aged than older adults. Removable prostheses were not associated with better functional or esthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geriatric dentistry is a young discipline that has developed in response to the increase in older groups of the dentate geriatric population, and with it consequently also the need for special knowledge and skills to take care of the elderly's oral health. However, geriatric dentistry has not yet been established within the dental profession's educational or organizational systems. Further on, education in geriatric dentistry varies between universities in the Nordic countries and funding of geriatric dentistry varies between different regions. The target group of elderly is an increasing proportion of society and dental patients, and the current article focuses on the most relevant societal odontological aspects of geriatric dentistry. Elderly are a heterogeneous group that comprises healthy adults through to dependent residents in nursing homes, which presents many challenges and not just in respect of theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. To secure a good oral health throughout life, effective care systems and financial support are also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]