Denture rehabilitation effect on elders’ nutritional status and quality of life

This study evaluated the effect of rehabilitation with complete denture on elders’ nutritional status and quality of life. Forty-nine edentulous patients were recruited. The dentures were made using the simplified method, as adopted by the Brazilian public health system. Three months later, subjects returned for revaluation. Eight of the 49 patients returned, under the assessments of the following parameters: body fat percentage; lean mass; Body Mass Index (BMI); nutritional status (MNA); and analysis of masticatory efficiency through colorimetric analysis of chewing gum; self-perception of quality of life in relation to health (SF-12); impact of oral health on the quality of life of edentulous people (OHIP-EDENT). Data were evaluated using the paired t test, considering p<0,05. There was a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of fat (p=0.031, MD= 2.475), increase in MNA score (p=0.010, MD= -2.375), greater impact on quality of life in relation to oral health (p=0.010, MD= -33.750) and improvement of masticatory efficiency (p=0.014, MD= 0.261). Rehabilitation with complete dentures can improve nutritional parameters and the masticatory efficiency. Nevertheless, some impact of oral health on quality of life can also be observed.