Role of behavioural and age-related factors in the long-term impact of tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life: A 25-year follow-up of Swedish older adults.

This study revealed that early tooth loss at age 50 was independently associated with subsequent impaired OHRQoL at ages 65, 70 and 75. The aspects of behavioural- and age-related factors in terms of disadvantages in functional and psychological concerns seemed to play a role in explaining the long-term impact of tooth loss on impaired OHRQoL. A mid-life approach to the prevention of tooth loss for the protection of subsequent adverse health outcomes should guide health promotion interventions and also be recognized by oral health care providers both for patient interaction and clinical decision making.