Dental health is crucial to overall health and quality of life, particularly among older adults (1). Oral health is a critical public health issue as the global geriatric population grows. Poor oral health in older adults is associated to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, malnutrition, respiratory infections, dental caries, periodontitis, tooth loss, and oral mucosal problems (2, 3). These issues can lower the quality of life, social participation, and functioning. Older folks globally have dental difficulties. According to the WHO, almost half of seniors have periodontal disease, and 60–90% suffer from tooth decay. 30–50% of seniors have lost most or all of their teeth, making chewing difficult (4). Chinese older people’s untreated caries, periodontitis, and denture difficulties reflect the country’s growing geriatric population and oral healthcare inadequacies (5). Recent Chinese data suggest that senior persons have terrible oral disease loads that need research. In the 4th National Oral Health Survey, 98.0% of Chinese elders aged 65–74 had untreated dental caries, with at least one tooth rotting, lost, or filled (DMFT ≥ 1) (6, 7). National statistics show 4.5% of Chinese aged people are edentulous and have not received dental prosthetic rehabilitation (8). Just 2.2% of 60-year-olds received professional dental cleanings last year. Geriatric oral hygiene is important for public health, according to Chinese epidemiology. Untreated caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss are prevalent; behavioral and clinical reasons and preventative strategies are crucial (9, 10).

Biological variables that contribute to dental plaque production include salivary flow, which is related to aging, oral mucosal thinness, and reduced immune response (11, 12). Infrequent toothbrushing, improper toothbrushing technique, limited use of dental floss or mouthwash, infrequent dental visits, smoking, and poor nutrition increase the risk of dental disease (13). Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dental cavities, and periodontal disease are linked to xerostomia-causing medicines (14, 15). Economic constraints, limited dental treatment, and low health literacy contribute to poor oral hygiene in older persons. Poor oral health in the older adults affects nutrition, systemic health, and quality of life (16, 17). Chewing difficulties and tooth loss can cause malnutrition, poor meal quality, and unexpected weight loss in older persons. Dental infections and periodontitis cause systemic inflammation, which worsens cardiovascular disease and diabetes control (18, 19). Oral infections, speech and swallowing issues, and xerostomia lower quality of life and social participation. Older persons with poor dental hygiene get more respiratory infections, including aspiration pneumonia (20). Dental checkups, flossing, brushing, and mouthwash prevent cavities and gum disease. Dentures and other prostheses require proper care to improve chewing, nutrition, and quality of life. Systemic disorders and healthy habits promote oral health (21, 22). Oral hygiene routines are crucial to oral health, but little is known about their effects on older Chinese adults. This study will retrospectively assess oral hygiene behaviors and oral health outcomes in older Chinese adults to provide clinical and public health initiatives for this vulnerable group.

A study of 500 older adults found that dental diseases were common. The older participants had many dental problems; 44% had dental caries, 36 % had periodontitis, and 40 % had lost teeth; 30% had gingiva hemorrhages, and 6 % had ulcers or leukoplakia. Halitosis was noted by 20% and dry mouth by 18%. Also prominent were oral health-related functioning deficits. Oral issues caused 8% trouble swallowing, 26% difficulty chewing, and 7% difficulty speaking. These were dental issues. Mouth pain reduced meal intake for 20% of respondents. Dentures were worn by 24, 16, and 8% of people. Of participants, 24% wore dentures. This study explains tooth loss and orthodontic therapy in this demographic (Table 3).

This study aligns with Chinese research on the older adults. Longer life expectancy among women has led to a higher proportion of women in similar research. Previous generations of Chinese older adults have had limited access to formal education, which explains their low educational attainment. This study found marital status and living arrangements similar to those reported in previous community-based surveys, suggesting that co-residence within the family may provide social and health support (23). Smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity are consistent with national and regional studies of Chinese older populations, which show high sedentary behavior and low habitual exercise. Epidemiological surveys show that older persons have a significant burden of chronic non-communicable disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Rural Chinese elder research reported a significant incidence of cardiometabolic disorders like hypertension (74.8%) and diabetes (14.9%), especially among women (24). Another Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey study found that more than two-thirds of older adults had multimorbidity, and that education was a major risk factor for impairment (25). Research shows that oral health examinations should be part of overall health management in this population.

Research in China and elsewhere indicated that seniors’ dental hygiene regimens were comparable to those of younger generations. Investigators examined participants. Although toothbrushing twice daily is the most common practice, many older Chinese adults brush their teeth less frequently or inadequately. A poll indicated that 80% of people use fluoride toothpaste. Because this statistic is slightly higher than that reported in the regional study, urban and semi-urban residents may be more aware of the benefits of fluoride toothpaste. Previous research has shown that older adults in China rarely use dental floss due to reduced manual dexterity, cost, and limited understanding of its benefits. These findings support 10% of persons flossing daily (26). Professional dental visit rates (44%) are comparable to those reported in earlier studies, indicating that older Chinese adults seek dental care only when ill. Self-reported oral health status and denture use patterns also support epidemiological studies indicating a high incidence of untreated oral disease and the need for improved preventive care in this population (27). In a Mexican cross-sectional study of older adults (≥60), only 3.6% used dental floss and 16.5% used mouthwash, indicating low utilization of interdental cleaning aids (28). According to a study of older community residents, 42 percent washed their teeth twice daily, whereas only 36 percent flossed or brushed their teeth frequently (29). Older people typically brush their teeth, but global surveys show minimal flossing and mouthwash use. This suggests the need for greater oral health education and treatment.

This work supports research on ageing populations in China and globally. National surveys indicate that 44% of older adults have dental caries and 36% have periodontitis. Previous Chinese research has found that many older adults persons have at least one missing tooth, typically without prosthetic replacement. 40% of participants lost teeth (30). Regional studies show age-related salivary changes, systemic illnesses, and poor oral hygiene cause comparable rates of gingival bleeding (30%) and xerostomia (18%). Chewing (26%) and dietary diversity (20%) limitations among older persons, due to tooth loss and untreated oral illness, affect nutrition and quality of life (13, 31). Other research indicates that cost and access barriers limit prosthesis rehabilitation for many older adults with tooth loss. Denture use (24% of the population) and the distribution of partial and complete dentures confirm these findings (32). Numerous nations have made similar observations. According to the Swedish National Study on Ageing and Care, the prevalence of periodontitis increases with age. After investigating, researchers found. Despite regular dental appointments, nearly half of the “old-old” group aged 81 lost teeth and bone (33). According to US studies, 68% of 65-year-olds had chronic periodontitis (34). Global studies indicate that oral disease among older persons is widespread, including in China, underscoring the need for preventive measures, routine dental care, and effective prosthesis rehabilitation.

These relationships have been confirmed by Chinese and international aging studies. A new study shows that twice-daily fluoride toothpaste brushing decreases periodontal disease and caries. Our data support Tables 4, 5 showing twice-daily brushing lowers dental caries and periodontitis due to better plaque removal and bacterial reduction than once-daily brushing. Regular dental checkups and flossing can detect and eliminate plaque early, preventing gingival irritation and tooth loss. Interproximal plaque reduction may explain why daily dental flossing reduced tooth loss. Due to its remineralization and acid-producing bacteria suppression, fluoride toothpaste protected against dental cavities. Bass (circular) brushing may have lowered periodontitis risk via improved gingival edge cleansing. Regular dental visits reduced gingival bleeding, possibly due to inflammation identification and treatment. Halitosis may be minimized by daily mouthwash use, which lowers oral bacterial burden and volatile sulfur compounds (21, 35). A study of US adults over 65 found that flossers had decreased incidences of periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth loss over 5 years (36). In a randomized clinical trial, brushing and rinsing with mouthwash that contains cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) may help to reduce oral malodor (halitosis) and volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria better than brushing alone (37).

This study demonstrates that oral hygiene behavior and preventive care substantially affect the oral health status of older Chinese adults, among whom dental caries, periodontitis, tooth loss, and functional impairments remain highly prevalent. In addition to routine dental examination and twice-daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, the findings underscore the critical role of oral health education in promoting self-care practices. Promotion of appropriate brushing techniques (e.g., circular or Bass methods), interdental cleaning, and the use of therapeutic mouthwashes can improve oral microbial control, halitosis, masticatory function, nutritional status, and overall quality of life. Public health strategies should therefore prioritize culturally appropriate oral health education, accessible preventive services, and targeted behavioral and clinical interventions to reduce the burden of oral disease and improve the well-being of older adults.