Work

Peer perceptions of orofacial appearance among older adults – a qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Orofacial appearance remains socially meaningful throughout later life, as facial and dental features may shape first impressions and social judgments. Yet little is known about how older adults perceive the orofacial appearance of their peers. Against this background, this study explored how adults aged 65 years and older perceive their peers' orofacial appearance (OA). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (aged 68-76), strategically recruited from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care-Blekinge (SNAC-B) in Karlskrona. To identify patterns in the data, a thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. RESULTS: The older adults' perceptions of other people's OA were represented in three themes: (i) charisma and personality overshadow orofacial appearance; (ii) it is easy to attribute characteristics as a result of the appearance; (iii) adherence to established norms is expected. CONCLUSION: This study highlights how older adults' perceptions of peers' OA are shaped by interpersonal impressions and social norms. Charisma, warmth, and facial expression could reduce the importance of specific orofacial features, whereas missing teeth, visible poor oral health, or appearance changes perceived as outside age-appropriate norms could trigger assumptions about lifestyle, vulnerability, or self-care.

Source: BMC Geriatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12877-026-07905-w

Authors: Sara Henricsson, Viveca Wallin Bengtsson, Nina Lundegren, Pia Andersson

Institutions: Kristianstad University, Malmö University

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190