Tooth loss and its relationship with protein intake by elderly Brazilians—A structural equation modelling approach

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at assessing the relationship between self-perceived tooth loss and wearing dentures, on the one hand, and the consumption of protein, on the other hand, among the elderly population of Botucatu, SP. Food consumption tends to decrease with ageing, especially protein intake, and one of the causes could be the precariousness of oral health. Several risk factors associated with deficient dietary protein intake have been identified, namely greater physical dependence, reduced caloric intake and food insecurity, but no studies have analysed whether tooth loss and prostheses interfere with protein intake.Methods: An interview was conducted among 365 elderly individuals, in which we examined oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) as the only latent variable, in a 24-hour nutritional assessment dietary recall repeated 3 times, conducted in person by a trained nutritionist and also performed an analysis of nutritional needs using the Nutrition Data System Research (NDSR) Program. Results:The structural equation model, performed using Stata v.14, showed that lack of teeth (standardised coefficient [SC] = 0.21, P < .001), and prosthesis use (SC = −0.21, P < .001) was associated with OHRQoL. Lack of teeth had a direct effect on the consumption of animal protein (SC = 0.08, P = .02), a strong total effect on animal protein intake (SC = 0.51, P = .04) and a medium effect on total protein intake (SC = 0.20, P = .03), adjusted for confounders (depression and medical problems). Conclusion:Tooth loss had a strong and significant total effect on animal protein intake and a medium effect on total protein intake among elderly Brazilians. K E Y W O R D Sageing, elderly, nutrient intake, quality of life

Predictors of having a dentist among older adults in Iowa

“…Periodontitis has been associated with poor glycemic control, higher risk of atherosclerosis and aspiration pneumonia . Tooth loss has been associated with poor dietary habits, as chewing efficiency is reduced and choice of food can be restricted . Tooth loss can also impact facial appearance and therefore affect self‐esteem and socialization .…”

Functional dentition and associated factors in Brazilian elderly people: A multilevel generalised structural equation modelling approach

“…Models with complex interaction pathways and latent variables differ from ordinary regressions, which allow investigating just one outcome . In addition, they are useful for studying direct and indirect mechanisms whereby some associations are established.…”

Masticatory function and nutritional status in institutionalized elderly: influence of denture use

“…The impact of masticatory function and nutritional status on the general health and quality of life of the elderly has been extensively addressed in the literature [6,13,14]. A recent study has shown that patients with tooth loss above 20 teeth have lower consumption of healthy food and lower nutrient intake, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease [13].…”

“…The presence of health teeth and functional dentures, as they are related to adequate nutrient consumption, may favor a good general health and quality of life of the elderly [5,6]. However, it is suggested that the absence of functional occluding tooth pairs worsens the chewing ability, which may lead to modifications in eating habits, food and nutritional intake, causing malnutrition [7,8].…”