The long-term effect on oral health and quality of life using a powered toothbrush in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. An intervention trial.

BACKGROUND

The number of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment and neurocognitive diseases is increasing, which may rapidly deteriorate oral health and Quality of life. Therefore, removing dental biofilm is essential for maintaining good oral health. The present study aimed to investigate whether introducing a powered toothbrush reduces the presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pockets ≥4 mm, leading to maintained or improved oral health and improved Quality of life in a group of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirteen individuals aged 55 or older living without official home care with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 20 and 28 and a history of memory problems in the previous 6 months were recruited and screened for the study. The individuals received a powered toothbrush and thorough instructions on how to use it. Clinical oral examinations, Quality of life examinations, and MMSE tests were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. The intervention group was compared to control groups at baseline and 24-month examination. It was divided into an MMSE high group with a score of more than 26 and an MMSE low group with a score of 26 and lower or decreasing two steps or more for 12 months.

RESULTS

PI, BOP, and PPD≥4 mm improved continuously in both MMSE groups during the 24 months of the study. The values for QoL-AD deteriorated over time, while the oral health-related Quality of life did not show any statistically significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Introducing a powered toothbrush improved PI, BOP, and PPD≥4 mm over 24 months, even among individuals with low or declining MMSE scores. Improved oral health is associated with a preserved OHR-QoL.