BACKGROUND:
Oral frailty, a multidimensional decline in oral function, is increasingly recognized as a significant geriatric health concern linked to adverse outcomes such as physical frailty, cognitive decline, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life among older adults. However, data from India remain scarce. This study estimated the prevalence and determinants of oral frailty among older adults in India.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years in Odisha. Using stratified multicluster sampling, 694 participants were recruited from rural and urban clusters. Oral frailty was assessed using standardized tool, including evaluations of oral hygiene, occlusal support, chewing and swallowing function, and oral pain. Nutritional status, functional status, and comorbidities were recorded. A multivariable logistic regression modek was used to identify determinants.

RESULTS:
The prevalence of oral frailty was 31.8%, with higher rates among participants aged ≥75 years (43.2%). Reduced chewing (48.5%), poor oral hygiene (44.1%), and impaired swallowing (18.7%) were the most common deficits. Oral frailty was significantly associated with undernutrition (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.61–3.43), multimorbidity (AOR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.28–2.79), low education, and limited access to dental care. Individuals with oral frailty had significantly poorer quality of life and higher dependence in instrumental activities of daily living.

DISCUSSION:
Oral frailty is highly prevalent among older adults and closely linked to nutritional deficits and multimorbidity. Strengthening oral health services, integrating routine oral frailty screening into primary care, and implementing preventive nutrition and oral function programs may support healthy aging.