Objective: Examining the association between oral health and the prevalence of falls among US caregivers. Background: There is a scarcity of research on the association between oral health status and the prevalence of falls among older adults and caregivers. Materials and methods: Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed. The analysis was limited to individuals aged 45 years and older ( n = 97 550). The outcome variable was if a person had fallen at least once during the past 12 months. The main predictor variables were the number of teeth removed, the last dentist visit, and caregiver status. Data were analyzed using bivariate descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Results: Having one to five teeth removed was linked to an increased prevalence of falls [AOR: 1.13, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02–1.25, p = .017] and was highest for complete tooth loss (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.15–1.58, p < .001). Caregivers had increased fall odds (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10–1.38, p < .001). Caregivers’ prevalence of fall increases with six or more teeth removed (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.02–1.94, p = .038) and all teeth removed (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03–2.09, p = .030). Dental visits in the past year were associated with a 21% reduced fall risk for caregivers (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.98, p = .035). Conclusion: The study showed that maintaining good oral health and utilizing dental services may be associated with lower fall risks, particularly among caregivers, suggesting the need for integrating oral health into fall prevention strategies.

Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

Veterans may be at higher risk of cognitive decline due to military-related risk factors (e.g. traumatic brain injury). We compared the prevalence and impacts of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among veteran and non-veteran women. Using data from the 2021-2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Cognitive Decline module in 29 jurisdictions, women ≥45 years reporting increased memory problems or confusion over the past year were classified as having SCD. We calculated weighted estimates among 1,905 women veterans (n = 268 with SCD) and 66,880 women non-veterans (n = 7,609 with SCD) and estimated prevalence ratios (PR). We stratified analyses by age group: 45-64 years and ≥65 years. SCD prevalence was similar for veterans and non-veterans (13.3% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.24). Among women 45-64 years with SCD, veterans were more likely to have discussed their SCD with a healthcare professional, even after accounting for depression history and the social and household impacts of SCD (PR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06-1.29). Additional research is needed to address why women veterans may be more likely than women non-veterans to discuss their concerns about memory or thinking issues. This knowledge may be valuable in promoting early detection of dementia.