Oral frailty and outcomes: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review studies on oral frailty and its associations. Background: Oral frailty is prevalent and yet under-recognised in the elderly. It has been linked to adverse outcomes including increased mortality, frailty and dementia. Methods: The databases were searched for published literature up to January 2024 using a prespecified search strategy. The following terms were used: ’oral’ AND ‘frailty’ The search was restricted to English publications. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved references through the titles and abstracts to test them against the eligibility criteria for inclusion. The full texts of qualified publications were read and selected for the final decision after discussion between the two reviewers. Results: 15 studies were identified with 12 cross-sectional studies and three prospective cohort studies. The definitions of oral frailty varied and outcomes were grouped into categories namely physical frailty, social frailty, cognition, mood, nutrition, quality of life and biochemical indices. Oral frailty results in negative outcomes such as increased physical frailty, social frailty, late life depression and deteriorating nutritional status. It could predict declining cognition and decreased health-related quality of life. Conclusion: This review identified associations between oral frailty and geriatric syndromes and revealed poorer outcomes in elderly with oral frailty. Early identification of oral frailty can be used to predict negative outcomes. Addressing oral frailty involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining dental care, nutrition and overall health to improve the quality of life. It is hoped that we can investigate and tailor interventions, allowing our elderly to age well and live well.