Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Oral Health and Risk of Malnutrition in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Sachiko Takehara1,2, Kaung Myat Thwin1,2, Aulia Ramadhani1,2
1Division of Preventive Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
Objective:
Older adults are generally at risk of malnutrition due to a decline in physical function, with or without systemic diseases. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the association between dentition/occlusal support measures and nutritional conditions in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and ICHUSHI databases was conducted from July to September 2024. Eight independent researchers performed data extraction and quality assessment using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Nineteen studies (12 cross-sectional and 7 cohort studies) were included.
Results:
The review revealed that individuals with 20 or more teeth consistently had significantly higher intake of various nutrients compared to those with fewer teeth. Similarly, compromised occlusal support was associated with reduced intake of vegetables, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Several studies demonstrated a significant association between edentulism or absence of occlusal support and an increased risk of malnutrition. Notably, a meta-analysis of two studies indicated that individuals with fewer than 20 teeth had a 52% increased risk of unintentional weight loss (odds ratio [OR]: 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.14). Another meta-analysis showed edentulous individuals had a 43% higher likelihood of malnutrition risk compared to dentate individuals (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.13-1.80).
Conclusion:
These findings highlight that fewer remaining teeth, edentulism, and absence of occlusal support are significantly associated with adverse nutritional outcomes. This highlights the critical importance of maintaining functional dentition and integrating oral health assessments into routine geriatric care.
Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42024531807.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Teeth
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...
Development of Human Microbiota
Bone Disorders
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...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...