title: Is there an association between edentulism and nutritional state?
abstract: Edentulous people have difficulty chewing foods that are hard or tough in texture, even when wearing well-made dentures. These individuals typically modify their diets to compensate for loss of oral function. This practice leads to the question of whether the diet of edentulous individuals is adequate to maintain good general health. This overview summarizes articles that describe the changes in diet associated with edentulism. Such changes include reductions in fruits, vegetables, meats and other hard-to-chew foods and are associated with compromised nutrition. The evidence suggests that edentulous individuals lack specific nutrients and, as a result, may be at risk for various health disorders. The authors have recently shown that mandibular prostheses supported by only 2 implants may significantly improve nutritional status in edentulous patients.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hutton
authors.forename: Jocelyne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Feine
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morais
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000209:etiology; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D004032:Diet; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008409:Mastication; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology