Social interactions, body image and oral health among institutionalised frail elders: an unexplored relationship.

OBJECTIVES: This paper draws on theories of ageing, body image and disfigurement, to explore the potential for relationships between oral health, body image and social interactions between institutionalised elders.
BACKGROUND: Social relationships are important at all stages of life. A positive body image increases confidence in social interactions, which contributes substantially to health, well-being and quality of life. Body image can be negatively impacted by oral conditions, particularly those that are appearance related and do not meet cultural ideals.
RESULTS: Typically, the oral health of frail elders in long-term care facilities is poor, but to what extent poor oral health and dysfunction influence body image, and social behaviours is unclear.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is the potential for poor oral health conditions to contribute negatively to the social well-being in this population, but suggest that it requires further investigation.