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

Share

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence of oral frailty and identify its associated factors among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery, highlighting its significance for postoperative outcomes.

Key Findings:
  • The prevalence of oral frailty among elderly patients undergoing elective surgery was 43.0% (P < 0.05).
  • Factors associated with oral frailty included age, female gender, frailty, reduced number of natural teeth, and preoperative cognitive dysfunction (all P < 0.05).
Interpretation:

Oral frailty is prevalent in elderly surgical patients and is linked to multiple risk factors that can impact postoperative recovery and overall health, necessitating targeted interventions.

Limitations:
  • The study was conducted in a single tertiary hospital, which may limit generalizability.
  • Data was collected from a specific timeframe, potentially affecting the relevance of findings over time.
  • Potential biases in data collection methods may influence the results.
Conclusion:

High prevalence of oral frailty in elderly surgical patients necessitates preventive management measures, such as targeted oral health interventions, to enhance postoperative recovery.

Original Source(s)

Related Content