The Association between Malnutrition and Oral Health in Older People: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between malnutrition and oral health in older people (≥ 60 years of age). A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed in four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and Embase) for literature from January 2000 to May 2020. Both observational and intervention studies were screened for eligibility. Two reviewers independently screened the search results to identify potential eligible studies, and assessed the methodological quality of the full-text studies. A total of 3240 potential studies were identified. After judgement for relevance, 10 studies (cross-sectional (n = 9), prospective cohort (n = 1)) met the inclusion criteria. Three studies described malnourished participants as having fewer teeth, or functional (tooth) units (FTUs), compared to well-nourished participants. Four studies reported soft tissue problems in malnourished participants, including red tongue with blisters, and dry or cracked lips. Subjective oral health was the topic in six studies, with poorer oral health and negative self-perception of oral health in malnourished elderly participants. There are associations between (at risk of) malnutrition and oral health in older people, categorized in hard and soft tissue conditions of the mouth, and subjective oral health. Future research should be focused on longitudinal cohort studies with proper determination of malnutrition and oral health assessments, in order to evaluate the actual association between malnutrition and oral health in older people.

Total Edentulism and Its Epidemiological Surveillance in Oaxaca, Mexico from 2009<strong>–</strong>2019.

“…In this study, we found that diabetic patients from Oaxaca presented the highest prevalence of edentulism. Although, from a traditional perspective, the importance of keeping teeth in good functional condition lies in its positive impact on a better quality of life [24] and the fact that association of edentulism with chronic diseases, in addition, other studies have documented the negative impact of edentulism on people's nutritional status [29,30].…”

Total Edentulism and Its Epidemiological Surveillance in Oaxaca, Mexico from 2009–2019

“…In this study, we found that diabetic patients from Oaxaca presented the highest prevalence of edentulism. Although, from a traditional perspective, the importance of keeping teeth in good functional condition lies in its positive impact on a better quality of life [24] and the fact of the association of edentulism with chronic diseases, in addition, other studies have documented the negative impact of edentulism on people's nutritional status [29,30].…”

Aspects of Expansive Learning in the Context of Healthy Ageing—A Formative Intervention between Dental Care and Municipal Healthcare

“…Studies show that poor oral health affects the general health in terms of higher prevalence of pneumonia, and increased severeness of already existing diabetes mellitus [9,10]. Connections between poor oral health and cardiovascular diseases [11], involuntary weight loss [12], and malnutrition [13] have also been of interest in recent research. However, the ability to perform daily oral self-care often decreases with age [14].…”