Abstract
Water balance in the elderly is critical in preventing tissue dehydration. Negative water balance, occurring when more water is lost than is retained, results in a severe decrease in all secretions. This "drying out" of tissues and organs, including muscles and joints, may lead to premature aging. Xerostomia is a major cause of denture discomfort and failure. The prosthodontist is advised to inspect and, if possible, correct dehydration of the oral tissues prior to constructing the denture. Denture failures may often result more from tissue deficiencies in the aged than from technical inadequacies. Water balance is efficiently achieved in the elderly through ingestion of soups containing many of the solubilized nutrients essential to tissue health. This is more beneficial than merely increasing the intake of plain water or beverages.
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