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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
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Associations Between Problems in Oral Health, Oral Function and Malnutrition in Older People: Results From Three
Vanessa Hollaar1,2, Marian de van der Schueren1,3, Elizabeth Haverkort2
1Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Lifestyle, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Dental Hygiene
|December 14, 2024
Summary
Poor oral health and function are linked to malnutrition in older adults. Addressing dental issues can improve nutritional status in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Oral Health
Background:
- Poor oral health and function are prevalent in older adults.
- These oral conditions can negatively impact dietary intake, potentially leading to malnutrition.
- Both oral health issues and malnutrition are significant concerns in community-dwelling elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between oral health and oral function and malnutrition.
- The study focused on community-dwelling older individuals.
- Three distinct Dutch databases were utilized to explore these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Data from three Dutch databases (Interrai, LPZ, PRIMa mouth CARE) were analyzed.
- Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and gender.
- The relationship between oral health/function (independent variables) and malnutrition (dependent variable) was examined.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between various oral health and function problems and malnutrition.
- Specific issues included broken teeth, oral pain, chewing difficulties, swallowing problems, coughing, and the need for food adaptations.
- Odds ratios indicated increased likelihood of malnutrition with these oral health challenges.
Conclusions:
- A significant link exists between oral health/function problems and malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults.
- Healthcare professionals should consider the interplay between oral health and nutritional status.
- Integrated care approaches addressing both oral health and nutrition are recommended for the elderly.
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