Association Between Patient Reported Removal of Dentures for Eating and Risk of Malnutrition in the Elderly

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Replacement of natural dentition with dentures can impact the ability to consume foods and ultimately impact nutrition status. The objective of this study was to explore associations between patient-reported removal of dentures for eating and risk of malnutrition, using Self Mini Nutritional Assessment (Self-MNA) total and select component scores. Methods A cross-sectional study of data obtained from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) clinic electronic health record for unduplicated patient visits between June 2015 and May 2019 was utilized for analysis. Data from adults ≥65 years with at least one denture (maxillary or mandibular) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test associations; a Spearman rank-order correlation analysed the relationship between Self-MNA scores and patients’ responses to a question on whether they removed their denture(s) for eating. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 a priori. Results The mean age of the sample (N = 357) was 73.4 ± 6.8 years (range = 65–94 years); 60% (n = 217) were female. The most common denture type was a combination of mandibular partial and maxillary partial dentures (n = 91, 26.7%); 35% (n = 103) reported removing their denture(s) for eating.There were no significant relationships between reported removal of dentures for eating and self-MNA total score (P = 0.63), a decline in food intake (P = 0.18) or weight loss (P = 0.75) respectively. Those with complete Self-MNA data (n = 33) who reported removal of dentures for eating (39%), had a greater degree of weight loss (>7pounds) and decreased intake (severely decreased) than those who reported they did not remove their dentures for eating (61%). Conclusions One-third of the patients in this sample removed their dentures for eating. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend towards greater weight loss and decreased intake among those who removed their dentures for eating compared to those who did not. Future research should utilize a larger sample to examine the relationship between denture removal for eating and nutrition status. Funding Sources None.