Functional dentition, dietary intake and nutritional status in Thai older adults

Abstract

Objectives To explore the relationship between functional dentition and nutritional status among Thai older adults, and the role of nutrient intake in this association. Background Evidence on the interplay between tooth retention, diet and nutritional status is still inconclusive, with most evidence coming from Western countries. Methods Seven hundred and eighty‐eight Thai adults, aged 60+ years, living in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand, participated in this cross‐sectional study. Data were collected through questionnaires, body measurements and dental examinations. Being underweight (Body Mass Index < 18.5) and overweight/obese (BMI > 25) were the two outcome measures. Functional dentition was defined as having 10+ functional tooth units. The association of functional dentition with each outcome was assessed in regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, behaviours, chronic conditions and total energy intake. The role of various nutrients in explaining the above associations was quantified via the per cent attenuation in the coefficient for functional dentition. Results Functional dentition was associated with being underweight but not with being overweight/obese. After adjustments, participants with functional dentition were 61% (prevalence ratio: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.95) less likely to be underweight than those with neither functional dentition nor dentures. In addition, participants with functional dentition had significantly greater intake of dietary fibre and thiamine (Vitamin B1) than those with neither functional dentition nor dentures. The two nutrients explained a small part of the association between functional dentition and being underweight. Conclusion Having a functional dentition was negatively associated with being underweight. The consumption of dietary fibre and thiamine explained a small part of this association.

The association of oral function with dietary intake and nutritional status among older adults: Latest evidence from epidemiological studies

“…The selected studies included 23 observational studies [ [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] ] (17 cross-sectional [ [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [33] , [34] , [35] , 37 , 38 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 46 ] and 6 longitudinal designs [ 28 , 30 , 32 , 36 , 39 , 44 ]) and 4 interventional studies [ [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] ]. The number of study participants ranged between 32 and 28,738.…”

Functional Dentition and 12-Month Changes in Body Measurements among Thai Older Adults

“…All participants had normal scores in the abbreviated mental test score (>8 out of 10) [21] and in the activities of daily living questionnaire (≥12 out of 20) [22]. Participants who could not communicate or had disabling conditions were excluded [23]. All participants were invited to a follow-up examination a year later.…”

“…Individuals were classified as having non-FD without dentures (reference group), non-FD with dentures or FD (i.e., having all 6 anterior FTU plus at least 4 posterior FTU, not necessarily symmetrical). If either tooth in a FTU had evidence of severe caries (root remnants) or severe mobility, the FTU was not counted as part of the requirement for a FD [23]. Seventy-eight participants were re-examined for reliability assessment.…”

A 5‐year longitudinal association between dietary fermented soya bean (natto) intake and tooth loss through bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: The Yokogoshi cohort study

“…Tooth loss is associated with decreased chewing ability, unfavourable changes in food choices, and poor quality and quantity of diet, which can lead to undernutrition among older adults. [1][2][3] Moreover, tooth loss affects systemic health and is a predictor of disability, deterioration in quality of life and premature death. 4,5 Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder that primarily affects women.…”

“…Both tooth loss and osteoporosis are common in elders and considered serious health problems. [1][2][3]6 Previous studies have reported significant associations of low BMD and osteoporosis with tooth loss. Older women with low BMD or osteoporosis are reported to have fewer teeth.…”