Frequency and Contributing Factors of Oral Frailty in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: Insights from a Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study - Report - DentalSpire

Frequency and Contributing Factors of Oral Frailty in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: Insights from a Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Study

  • By

  • Shizhao Wang

  • Keying Li

  • Yingchuan Zhang

  • Jiameng Yang

  • Rongtian Kang

  • Lining Huang

  • April 21, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Frequency and Contributing Factors of Oral Frailty in Geriatric Patients

Overview

This study reveals a high prevalence of oral frailty (43.0%) among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery. Key contributing factors include age, female gender, frailty, reduced number of natural teeth, and preoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Background

Oral frailty is a significant concern in geriatric health, impacting postoperative recovery and quality of life. It is associated with various systemic health conditions and can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia and surgical site infections. Understanding its prevalence and risk factors in surgical patients is crucial for improving perioperative care.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available.

Key Findings

  • The prevalence of oral frailty among elderly surgical patients is 43.0%.
  • Age, female gender, and frailty are significant risk factors for oral frailty.
  • A reduced number of natural teeth correlates with higher rates of oral frailty.
  • Preoperative cognitive dysfunction is associated with oral frailty.
  • Oral frailty may negatively impact postoperative recovery and increase complication risks.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should assess oral health and frailty in elderly patients prior to elective surgery. Implementing preventive measures based on identified risk factors can enhance postoperative recovery and reduce complications.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of addressing oral frailty in geriatric surgical patients to improve surgical outcomes. Targeted interventions may mitigate the risks associated with this condition.

References

  1. BJS (British Journal of Surgery), 2024 -- Optimizing Perioperative Management for Surgical Patients in the Elderly Population
  2. Changes in Frailty Levels in Older Adults Following Vascular Surgery, 2020
  3. Factors Influencing Perioperative Complications in Older Adults Undergoing Resection for Colorectal Cancer, 2024
  4. Consensus statement on 'Oral frailty' from the Japan Geriatrics Society, 2025
  5. 2024 European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care guideline on preoperative assessment
  6. Obesity Surgery — Using the Frailty Index to Assess Surgical Safety and Effectiveness in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
  7. Effect of perioperative oral care on postoperative pneumonia in thoracic surgery patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. Consensus statement on "Oral frailty" from the Japan Geriatrics Society, the Japanese Society of Gerodontology, and the Japanese Association on Sarcopenia and Frailty - PubMed
  9. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2024; 41:1–35

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