Objective
The purpose of this study is to describe physical,mental and cognitive disabilities and periodontal status as indicated by periodontal health,edentulism and use of dentures among nursing home residents in Jordan.

Methods
A sample of 221 subjects with a mean age of 62.4 years (121 males and 1 females) from nursing home residents in Jordan were recruited to participate in this study. Oral health status,mini mental state examination (MMSE),Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS),Tinetti Assessment Battery for gait and balance (TAB) and disability of arm,shoulder and hand test (DASH) were assessed for all subjects.

Results
The response rate was about 88%. The multivariate analysis showed that the degree of upper limb disabilities,as measured by DASH,and reporting not brushing of teeth were the main risk indicators for severity of periodontal disease. Residents with dentures were found to have significantly higher cognitive abilities scores (MMSE),better upper arm abilities (DASH) and gait and balance score (TAB) in comparison with edentulous adults without dentures. Edentulous residents were found to suffer more from cognitive impairment (MMSE) than dentate residents. There was no predilection of upper limb (DASH) and lower limb (TAB) disabilities or depressive symptoms (GDS) for edentulous over dentate subjects.

Conclusions
Results suggest that nursing home residents with a variety of physical,cognitive and psychological disabilities are at increased risk of deterioration of their oral health. All those associated with the health of residents need to be aware of this issue and take preventive and therapeutic measures as needed.