Objectives This study examined the association between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), as assessed by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among Korean older adults.
Methods Data from 5413 participants in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. GOHAI scores were categorized as either “poor” (<40) or “not poor” (≥40). Generalized estimating equation models were used to assess the relationship between GOHAI scores and CVD prevalence, with analyses stratified by sex.
Results Poor GOHAI score was significantly associated with elevated odds of CVD (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 1.19; p<0.001). This association was stronger in female (OR, 1.36) compared to male (OR, 1.12). Poor oral health is indicative of systemic inflammation and age-related vulnerabilities, underscoring the utility of the GOHAI as an instrument for early identification of CVD risk.
Conclusions Poor oral health, as measured by the GOHAI, is associated with an increased risk of CVD among older adults, especially female. These findings support the use of the GOHAI as a cost-effective screening tool for the early assessment of CVD risk. Further research is warranted to explore inflammatory biomarkers and sex-specific mechanisms that could inform targeted interventions.
Summary
Korean summary
노년층에서 구강건강 관련 삶의 질(OHRQoL)이 낮을수록 심혈관계 질환(CVD) 위험이 높아지며, 특히 여성에서 더 두드러졌습니다. 본 연구는 노년 구강 건강 평가 지수(GOHAI)를 사용했습니다.
Key Message
Poor GOHAI scores are associated with higher CVD risk, with stronger effects in females. This highlights the potential of GOHAI as an effective tool for early detection and prevention of CVD.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Oral health-related quality of life in cardiovascular patients- a systematic review Kamyar Nasiri, Farzaneh Nikfarjam, Ali keshavarzian, Naghmeh shenasa, Wissam Hamid Al-janabi, Radhwan Abdul Kareem, Hayder Naji Sameer, Fateme Moradi BMC Cardiovascular Disorders.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Breaking the silos: a systematic review of oral health integration strategies for improved oral health and cardiovascular outcomes Wania Usmani, Charlotte Park, Sharta Ogato, Millicent Raymond, Maximilian Pangratius de Courten, Peter W. Lange, Fahad Hanna Frontiers in Public Health.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Assessment of oral health-related quality of life and its association with periodontal status in geriatric patients Seval Ceylan Şen, Özlem Saraç Atagün, Gülbahar Ustaoğlu, Zeynep Hazan Yildiz BMC Oral Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Evaluation of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index Based on Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Status of Older Adults in Gangneung-si Jin-Sun Choi, Hye-Rim Jeon, Soo-Myoung Bae, Sun-Jung Shin, Bo-Mi Shin, Hye-Young Yoon, Hyo-Jin Lee Journal of Dental Hygiene Science.2025; 25(4): 360. CrossRef