Dental prosthesis use is associated with higher protein intake among older adults with tooth loss

Abstract

BackgroundTooth loss is associated with reduced protein intake, which leads to sarcopenia and frailty in older adults.ObjectiveTo evaluate the protective effect of dental prostheses on decreased protein intake in older adults with tooth loss.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was based on a self‐reported questionnaire targeting older adults. Data were obtained from the Iwanuma Survey of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. We used % energy intake (%E) of total protein as the outcome and the use of dental prostheses and number of remaining teeth as explanatory variables. We estimated the controlled direct effects of tooth loss by fixing the use/non‐use of dental prostheses based on a causal mediation analysis, including possible confounders.ResultsAmong 2095 participants, the mean age was 81.1 years (1SD = 5.1), and 43.9% were men. The average protein intake was 17.4%E (1SD = 3.4) of the total energy intake. Among participants with ≥20, 10–19 and 0–9 remaining teeth, the average protein intake was 17.7%E, 17.2%E/17.4%E and 17.0%E/15.4%E (with/without a dental prosthesis), respectively. Compared to participants with ≥20 remaining teeth, those with 10–19 remaining teeth without a dental prosthesis did not have a significantly different total protein intake (p > .05). Among those with 0–9 remaining teeth without a dental prosthesis, total protein intake was significantly low (−2.31%, p < .001); however, the use of dental prostheses mitigated the association by 79.4% (p < .001).ConclusionOur results suggest that prosthodontic treatment could contribute to maintaining protein intake in older adults with severe tooth loss.

Oral Hypofunction and Risk of Weight Change among Independent Older Adults

“…The possible mechanism for the link between fewer remaining teeth and low chewing efficiency and weight loss is considered to be as follows: Fewer remaining teeth lead to deteriorated masticatory function [26]. Subsequently, deteriorated masticatory function could cause a decrease in protein intake, such as meat [27]. Lower protein intake was reported to be associated with a higher risk of weight loss [28]; therefore, fewer remaining teeth and low chewing efficiency could increase the risk of weight loss among older adults.…”

Teeth Rehabilitation and Nutritional Influence on Diabetic Patients: A Review

“…These studies examined a variety of aspects such as nutritional status assessment, dietary evaluation and dietary diversity score computation, dentition state assessment, and food. The number of remaining natural teeth has been shown to influence nutrition intake by reducing the intake of dietary fiber, protein, and basic nutrients from fruits and vegetables [27,28]. Older adults with 0-9 remaining teeth had a lower intake of total and animal protein compared to those with ≥20 remaining teeth.…”