The Nutritional Status and Oral Health: A New Look at the Problem

Introduction. According to research, the condition of the oral cavity in older adults is one of the risk factors for the development of malnutrition; however, even with complete loss of teeth, malnutrition does not develop in all patients.Objective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with tooth loss and the factors associated with a reduced risk of developing malnutrition in them.Methods. Epidemiological study of the EVCALIPT random sample of individuals aged 65 years and older (n=396). Main study parameters: oral health assessment questionnaire, non-communicable chronic disease, nutritional assessment using the Mini Nutritional assessment, comprehensive geriatric assessment, blood count test.Results. The prevalence of malnourishment does not depend on the number of remaining teeth and the use of dentures or implants (p>0.05). The main independent factors affecting the risk malnutrition in patients with oral frailty are complaints about difficulty with mastication [OR (95% CI) 2.100 (1.100–4.010)] and pronunciation of words [OR (95%CI) 2.203 (1.007–4.816)]. Maintaining high rates of grip strength [OR (95% CI) 0.314 (0.167–0.590)] and absence of depression [OR (95% CI) 0.408 (0.196–0.846)] are associated with a reduced risk of malnutrition in patients with oral frailty.Conclusion. The fact of the absence of teeth or prostheses / implants does not lead to an increase in the risk of malnutrition in older adults. Complaints about mastication and words pronunciation difficulties are more significant contributors to the risk of malnutrition in this age group. High rates of grip strength and the absence of depression in patients with impaired chewing of food and pronunciation of words are associated with a diminished risk of malnutrition.