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Updated: May 24, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Good oral health and diet
1Section Oral Sciences, Department of Surgical and Oncological Disciplines, University of Palermo, Via Del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy. scardina@odonto.unipa.it
Abstract:
An unhealthy diet has been implicated as risk factors for several chronic diseases that are known to be associated with oral diseases. Studies investigating the relationship between oral diseases and diet are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe the relationship between healthy eating habits and oral health status. The dentistry has an important role in the diagnosis of oral diseases correlated with diet. Consistent nutrition guidelines are essential to improve health. A poor diet was significantly associated with increased odds of oral disease. Dietary advice for the prevention of oral diseases has to be a part of routine patient education practices. Inconsistencies in dietary advice may be linked to inadequate training of professionals. Literature suggests that the nutrition training of dentists and oral health training of dietitians and nutritionists is limited.
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