The impact of dental status on perceived ability to eat certain foods and nutrient intakes in older adults: cross-sectional analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2014

Abstract

Background Many factors determine dietary intake in older adults, including physical health, psychological well-being and socio-economic status. Dental status may also be important. The aim was to examine how dental status impacts perceived ability to eat to certain foods, nutrient intake and nutritional status in UK older adults. Methods Data collected by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme was analysed. A 4-day food diary assessed dietary intake, while a Computer Assisted Personal Interview collected socio-demographic, health behaviour and oral health information. Participants aged 65 years and over ( n = 1053) were categorised into three groups according to their dental status: edentate with dentures (E-DEN, n = 292), dentate with dentures (D-DEN, n = 305) or dentate with no dentures (DEN, n = 456). A total of 515 participants provided a blood sample that was used to assess nutrient concentrations including vitamin B12, vitamin C, ferritin, vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate, PLP), retinol, β-carotene and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D). Multiple regression methods were performed to examine cross-sectional associations between dental status, food selection, nutrient intake and nutritional status. Results Both E-DEN and D-DEN groups, compared with the DEN group, were more likely to report difficulty eating apples, raw carrots, lettuce, nuts, well-cooked steak and crusty bread ( P < 0.01). No group differences were observed in perceived ability to eat sliced bread, sliced cooked meats and cheese. The E-DEN group compared with the DEN group had lower mean daily intakes of omega 3 fatty acids ( P = 0.006), non-starch polysaccharides ( P = 0.001), β-carotene ( P = 0.001), folate ( P = 0.001), vitamin C ( P = 0.008), magnesium ( P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.001), and had lower plasma vitamin B6 PLP ( P = 0.001), vitamin C ( P = 0.009) and β-carotene ( P = 0.015) concentrations, after adjusting for socio-demographic and health behavioural factors. Compared with the DEN group, the D-DEN group did not have lower nutrient intakes or lower blood nutrient concentrations. Conclusions Within this sample of older adults, impaired dental status appears to influence food selection, and intake of important nutrients. Future research should focus on developing dental interventions coupled with dietary counselling to encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits in this high-risk population group.

Masticatory ability in older individuals: A qualitative interview study

“…28,29 A cross sectional analysis of UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008-2014 examined how dental status impacted perceived ability to eat food, nutritional intake and health status. 30 The authors concluded that it was necessary to focus on developing dental interventions coupled with dietary counselling to encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits in high-risk population groups. This would indicate that dental interventions should be combined with multi-professional collaborations, since dental interventions alone may not be enough for success.…”

“…It therefore seems, as other authors have suggested, that adjustment to improved dietary habits warrants not only prosthodontic treatment but also multi‐professional collaborations, for instance with dieticians 28,29 . A cross sectional analysis of UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008‐2014 examined how dental status impacted perceived ability to eat food, nutritional intake and health status 30 . The authors concluded that it was necessary to focus on developing dental interventions coupled with dietary counselling to encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits in high‐risk population groups.…”

Influence of Age and Individual Differences on Mouthfeel Perception of Whey Protein-Fortified Products: A Review

“…Older adults typically suffer from teeth loss, dental caries, reduced saliva flow, changes in oral mucous membrane and chewing efficiency, mouth dryness and increased periodontal diseases and use of dentures, all likely to influence food habits and intake [34]. For example, data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008-2014 identified that dental status impacted food selection, and nutrient intake in older adults with compromised dental status (such as edentate and/or dentate with denture wearers) had a negative effect on intake [36]. Kremer et al demonstrated that older adults, who were denture wearers, perceived custards to be less creamy and less easy to swallow compared with those with natural teeth [37].…”

Effect of food hardness on chewing behavior in children

“…Normal chewing behavior is integral in enhancing the taste of the food, initiating the process of digestion, stimulation of saliva secretion, and facilitating the safe-swallow process [ 2 ]. Studies have shown that compromised oral health, either due to infection or impaired chewing function, is an essential determinant of nutrition [ 3 ]. Impaired chewing function substantially influences the food eating habits [ 4 ] and the supply of key ingredients required for maintaining bodily functions and oral health-related quality of life [ 5 ].…”