Oral Health, Literacy and Quality of Life in the Elderly people-Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Context: Given the increasing longevity of human beings, the impact of oral health becomes more urgent, negatively affecting quality of life. Objective: To explore the impact of oral health and literacy on the quality of life of the elderly. Methodology: A search on different search engines using combinations of the descriptors “Oral Health”, “Quality of Life” and “Education” in Portuguese and English, identified studies between 2000 and 2012. The principles proposed by the Cochrane Handbook were followed and the critical analysis conducted by two researchers. Presentation of results: Eleven primary studies were analysed, which show that poor literacy and tooth loss are associated with poor quality of life. Conclusions: Literacy and edentulism have a negative impact on oral health. Low levels of education and tooth loss are related to poor quality of life. In order to promote the quality of life of the elderly, both literacy and oral health should be included in nursing education, research and practice.