SynthesisGerodontology2026
Older Adults' Social Relationships and Dental Visits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Gerodontology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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3 authors.
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Abstract
introductionWeak social relationships are associated with high rates of tooth loss in older adults. To explore the mechanisms connecting social relationships and tooth loss, we systematically assessed the current evidence for the association between social relationships and dental care utilisation in this population.
methodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search of five electronic databases for relevant studies published between 1966 and 2024. We included observational studies assessing the structural, functional and/or both combined components of social relationships as exposures and dental care utilisation as outcomes in adults aged 60+. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. To assess whether weak social relationships are associated with low dental care utilisation, an average odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval were generated using a meta-analysis.
resultsEighteen studies were included in the review, and 12 (35,097 participants) in the meta-analysis. The average OR was 0.81 (0.69, 0.94), indicating a 19% lower probability of utilising dental care for those with weaker social relationships.
conclusionThis review suggests that weak social relationships are a significant factor associated with low dental care utilisation among older adults, highlighting a potential for public health interventions that address social isolation and loneliness. To guide future interventions, a better understanding of the specific components and time-dependency of this association is needed (PROSPERO [CRD42023417845]). PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023417845).
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