Dental Health and Nutrition in the Elderly: A Review

Abstract

The prevalence of dental problems (periodontitis, loss of teeth, no or incomplete dentures) is almost universal in those over 65 years old. There is a tendency for inadequate dentition to affect nutrient intake, but associated psychological problems are often more important in determining food choice with avoidance of fresh fruit, raw vegetables and meat than the actual dental state. Studies are lacking correlating dental disease and food choice with vitamin blood levels. The part played by poor nutrition on dental health is most obvious in the pathological signs of vitamin deficiencies seen in the oral mucosa. There is some indication that vitamin A plays a role in the preservation of taste and smell capacity and vitamin C in tissue repair and immune response involved in the maintenance of periodontal health, but these possibilities need to be further investigated.