Does terminal dentition reduce vegetable intake among older adults?

Investigators have found that nutrition intake may be lower in older patients with terminal dentition caused by stage IV periodontitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

The investigators used the three-day 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire as well as a short-form mini-nutritional assessment to analyze the dietary habits and nutrition status of 51 patients aged 55 years and older with terminal dentition caused by stage IV periodontitis who were seeking treatment with dental implants at the Shanghai Perio-Implant Innovation Center between June 2022 and October 2023.

Compared with 2013 national reports and Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes, the mean daily intake of fruits and vegetables and micronutrients — such as vitamins A, C and E — among the patients involved in the study were found to be insufficient.

The investigators concluded that further studies may be needed to better understand how periodontitis and tooth loss may influence the intake of micro- and macronutrients.

Read more: Journal of Clinical Periodontology

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