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OBJECTIVES: It is well known that oral health status is associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the general population. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse OHRQoL among older people in short-term care and its associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 391 older people in 36 short-term care units. Data were collected via clinical oral assessments, questions about self-perceived oral and general health, Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (Katz-ADL) and the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG). OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied in the analysis.

RESULTS: Poor OHRQoL was reported by 34% of the older people. Associated factors were swallowing problems according to ROAG; quite poor/poor self-perceived physical, psychological and oral health; and being a woman.

CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between OHRQoL and older people's self-perceived health according to the OHIP-14. This indicates the importance of early detection of oral health problems in frail older people and to assess both oral health and swallowing problems among older people in short-term care.