Severe tooth loss in older adults as a key indicator of compromised dietary quality

Abstract

Objective: Poor oral health influences the dietary quality of older individuals. The objective of the present study was to relate the number of teeth to adherence to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans among an ethnically diverse sample of older adults. Design: A block cluster design was used to obtain a sample of older adults. Data were weighted to census data for ethnicity and gender. Dietary intakes were assessed using an FFQ and converted into Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores. Setting: Two counties in North Carolina, USA, with large African-American and American Indian populations. Subjects: Community-dwelling older adults (N 635). Results: Three hundred and twenty-six participants had severe tooth loss (0-10 teeth remaining), compared with 305 participants with 111 teeth. After controlling for socio-economic factors, those with 0-10 teeth had lower total HEI-2005 scores and consumed less Total Fruit, Meat and Beans, and Oils, and more energy from Solid Fat, Alcohol and Added Sugar, compared with those with 111 teeth. Less than 1 % of those with 0-10 teeth and 4 % of those with 111 teeth met overall HEI-2005 recommendations. Those with 0-10 teeth were less likely to eat recommended amounts of Total Vegetables, Dark Green and Orange Vegetables, and energy from Solid Fat, Alcohol and Added Sugar. Conclusions: Older adults with severe tooth loss are less likely than those with moderate to low tooth loss to meet current dietary recommendations. Nutrition interventions for older adults should take oral health status into consideration and include strategies that specifically address this as a barrier to healthful eating.

Factors associated with diet quality of older adults

“…Corroborating findings of the present study, other studies found lower BHEI score [22] in edentulous older adults [13] and in those with oral cavity problems [22] and reported that oral health is a major factor affecting diet quality [23] of older adults.…”

Food and beverage choices contributing to dietary guidelines adherence in the Lower Mississippi Delta

“…Unlike previous applications of HEI-2005 that simply focus on total and component scores (10)(11)(12)(13) , the current unique investigation of top dietary sources contributing to HEI-2005 components provides insight into strategies and messages that could improve the diet quality and health of a region. Although some messages are appropriate for the entire LMD population, others may be more appropriate for specific demographic groups.…”

Lower risk for cardiovascular mortality for patients with root filled teeth in a Finnish population

“…, Savoca et al . ) and the adverse effects of edentulism on health have been well substantiated (Brown ). However, no previous studies have compared adverse outcomes of edentulism to saving teeth by root canal treatment.…”