Pilot study on the relationship between oral function or subjective symptoms and appetite

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutrition Science
• Oral Health

Background:

• Appetite and oral function are crucial for nutritional status.
• Decreased oral function can lead to reduced food intake and potential anorexia.
• Understanding these relationships is vital for geriatric and nutritional health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationships between appetite and oral function.
• To examine the links between appetite and subjective symptoms of decreased oral function.
• To investigate the influence of oral function factors on anorexia.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-one adult dental patients participated.
• Appetite assessed using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (score ≤28 indicating anorexia).
• Oral function evaluated via seven tests and seven subjective symptom questions; analyzed using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Significant differences observed between normal appetite and anorexia groups in the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and 'food remains in mouth' symptom.
• Multivariate logistic regression identified masticatory function (AOR 4.35) and EAT-10 (AOR 6.27) as significant predictors of anorexia.

Conclusions:

• Poor masticatory function and swallowing difficulties are associated with anorexia.
• Oral function significantly impacts appetite and nutritional status in adults.
• This pilot study underscores the importance of oral health in maintaining adequate appetite.