A PRISMA review searched Medline, Embase and CENTRAL through November 2025 and included 40 studies of adults 75+. Low functional support, or fewer people to rely on, was associated with edentulism (OR 1.21) and irregular dental service use (OR 1.20). Low structural support in living conditions related to edentulism (OR 1.34) and lacking functional dentition (OR 1.41). Other function, behavior and quality-of-life outcomes were sparse and heterogeneous, supporting psychosocial assessment in care planning.
Key findings
- Low functional support: edentulism OR 1.21 and irregular care OR 1.20; low structural support: edentulism OR 1.34 and lacking functional dentition OR 1.41; other outcomes sparse and heterogeneous.
Why this matters globally
The evidence supports geriatric dental care that assesses living arrangements, caregivers, transport and networks and identifies people needing outreach or home care.
Thai researcher contribution
Sungkrit Pojmonpiti, Murali Srinivasan and Frauke Müller of Chulabhorn Hospital and Chulalongkorn University contribute to international geriatric oral-health evidence synthesis.
Limitations to consider
Evidence is observational and reverse causation is plausible: poor oral health may reduce participation. Income, health and mobility confounding remains, definitions vary, and modest ORs do not establish intervention effects.
Verify the original sources
GerodontologyRead the original article↗DOI: 10.1111/ger.70072