A randomized-controlled trial of food choices made by edentulous adults

The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized-controlled trial to compare food choices of edentulous adults provided with implant-supported mandibular overdentures and conventional dentures.

Edentulous patients were randomly allocated to an implant group (IG) or a denture group (DG). IG subjects (n=49) were provided with conventional maxillary dentures and implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Subjects in this group refusing implants were retained using the 'intention-to-treat principle' and provided with conventional dentures. DG subjects (n=48) were provided with conventional dentures. Subjects indicated whether they consumed any of seven test foods and the level of chewing difficulty experienced. Data were collected pre-treatment and 3 months post treatment.

IG subjects reported increased consumption of carrots, apples and nuts post-treatment (P<0.05) and decreased post-treatment difficulty in chewing apples and nuts. DG subjects reported decreased post-treatment difficulty in chewing carrots, bacon and nuts (P<0.05). Between group differences for chewing difficulty were detected for nuts that DG subjects found easier to chew than IG subjects (P=0.002).

Food selection and perceived chewing difficulty improved in both groups, with no significant differences between groups. Successful rehabilitation may not result in different food selection, which may require concurrent tailored dietary interventions, but may increase available food choices.