Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the association between the dental prosthesis condition and oral health problems in older Koreans.
Methods: This study used primary raw data from the 9th (2022) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 1,323 people aged ≥65 years were included in the study. Frequency and cross-analyses were performed (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 (IBM).
Results: Among the older group, 33.6% complained of chewing problems and masticatory discomfort, and 12.7% reported speech problems. The presence of upper and lower jaw implants and the need for partial and full dentures were significantly associated with chewing problems (p<0.05) and masticatory discomfort (p<0.05). The presence of upper and lower jaw implants and the need for dentures were significantly associated with speech problems (p<0.05). This indicates that the type and presence of dental prostheses are closely related to speech problems.
Conclusion: Oral healthcare and prosthesis management for older people are essential to maintain oral health and improve the quality of life in an aging society. This study provides useful data for the establishment of policies promoting the oral health of older people and the development of dental prosthesis management programs.

Keywords: Aged, Dental prostheses, Mastication, Masticatory discomfort, Oral health problems