Low dietary quality among older adults with self-perceived ill-fitting dentures

Abstract

Objective: To examine dietary quality and nutrient intakes of participants wearing dentures with and without poor fit as determined by questionnaire and dental exam.

Design: Nutrient intakes, Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score, and serum nutrient values were examined among individuals wearing either adequate- or poor-fitting dentures and individuals who had at least 18 teeth.

Subjects/setting: Data was collected from 4,820 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ages 50 years and older with at least 18 teeth (n=3,207) or those wearing dentures (n=1,613), who responded to a questionnaire about denture fit and had their dentures evaluated by a dentist.

Statistical analyses performed: Analysis of covariance and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between individuals fully dentate, wearing good-or ill-fitting dentures, and nutritional status indicators.

Results: The group with self-perceived ill-fitting dentures compared with the group with natural teeth had significantly lower total HEI (66.5 vs 68.5 P<.002), vegetables (6.3 vs 6.8 P<.01), and variety scores (7.8 vs 8.2 P<.02); lower ascorbic acid (P<.009) and carotene intakes (P<.004). The group with self-perceived good-fitting dentures did not differ significantly from the dentate group. However, both groups wearing dentures had significantly lower serum levels of vitamins C and E, beta carotene, folate, lutein, and lycopene/zeaxanthin compared with the dentate group.

Applications/conclusions: Dietary quality and intake of certain nutrients was poorer among the group with self-perceived ill-fitting dentures than among those wearing adequate dentures or those with natural teeth. Administering a simple questionnaire to patients about their perceptions of denture fit may be useful in identifying denture wearers at increased risk of dietary inadequacy.