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.