Tooth loss, postural alterations and risk of falls of elderly people participating in outpatient day care centers.

Abstract

Aims: Describe the association between tooth loss (TL), the risk of falling (RF), and postural alterations (PA) in older adult (OA) participants from daily care centers in La Cruz, Chile.  Methods: 80 OA were analyzed through timed up and go test (TUG), unipodal stance test (UST), Kennedy classification, and postural evaluation in front and lateral planes.  Results:  The most frequent PA were pelvic tilting (68.8%), forward head–neck (68.75%), and shoulder rotation (62.5%), with 3.8 ± 1.9 per subject. The mean TL was 19.03 ± 9.79. TUG was globally altered (p < 0.0001), as was the UST in the female group (p < 0001). Conclusion:  A statistically significant association between RF, Kennedy classification, PA in the lateral plane, and drug use in the female gender is explained. Tooth loss can play an important role in the risk of falling and should be considered in the physical examination of older adults.