Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Clinically Assessed Tooth Loss and Malnutrition Risk in U.S. Older Adults.
Vittorio Dibello1,2, Silvano Quarto2, Raffaele Cavalcanti3
1Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Tooth loss in older adults significantly increases malnutrition risk, as measured by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Complete tooth loss is a strong indicator of nutritional vulnerability, highlighting the importance of oral health in geriatric nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Dental public health
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Tooth loss is prevalent in older adults, impacting chewing and dietary choices, and is linked to malnutrition.
- The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) objectively assesses malnutrition risk using serum albumin and body weight.
- The association between remaining teeth and GNRI-defined malnutrition risk in older adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between clinically assessed remaining teeth and malnutrition risk defined by GNRI in a large cohort of U.S. older adults.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 3717 adults aged ≥60 years from the 2009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
- Dentition status assessed via standardized dental examinations; nutritional risk categorized using GNRI (low risk: ≥98, at risk: <98).
- Weighted logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and multimorbidity.
Main Results:
- Tooth loss was consistently associated with increased malnutrition risk.
- Participants with fewer teeth (1-9 or 10-19) and edentulism (complete tooth loss) showed significantly higher odds of low GNRI compared to those with ≥20 teeth.
- After full adjustment, edentulism remained a significant predictor of increased malnutrition risk (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.11-2.66).
Conclusions:
- Complete tooth loss is a significant marker for nutritional vulnerability in older adults.
- Integrating oral health assessments into geriatric nutrition screening is crucial.
- Maintaining or restoring dentition may be vital for preventing malnutrition and promoting healthy aging.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:29Bone Disorders
Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...