Teeth for life? Aspects of oral health status influencing the nutrition of older adults

Aim: To examine how dentition status impacts on nutrition status in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A literature search of years 1983 to 2006 was conducted using PubMed with the keywords, older adult, oral health, nutrition status, dentition and dentition status. Results: Studies consistently suggest a direct and positive relationship between aspects of oral health status and nutrition in older adults. Masticatory disability hinders recommended food choice and often results in nutrient intake levels below recommended levels. The efficacy of replacing missing teeth to improve nutrition status is questionable. Sub-optimal nutrition in older adults may be reduced by retaining a minimum of five posterior occlusal pairs of teeth or 20 teeth distributed in a functional pattern. Food and nutrition education of denture-wearing older adults has some benefit. Conclusion: Though oral health status is unlikely to have a major impact on nutrition status, in combination with other risk factors, it may be enough to tip the balance towards poorer nutritional health. An opportunity exists for health (including oral health professionals) and nutrition professionals to work together to assist older adults to age successfully.