Edentulism, use of dentures and consumption of fruit and vegetables in south Brazilian community-dwelling elderly

R. J. De Marchi, F. N. Hugo, D. M.P. Padilha, J. B. Hilgert, D. B. Machado, P. C. Durgante, M. T. Antunes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There is evidence suggesting that edentulous older persons modify their diet, avoiding foods that are difficult to chew, such as fruit and vegetables; meanwhile, the consumption of these foods is associated with prevention of chronic diseases. However, few studies evaluated whether a poor oral status without prosthetic rehabilitation is associated with a reduction in the consumption of fruit and vegetables in community-dwelling older persons. We evaluated the association of oral status with emphasis on complete dentures use with the daily consumption of at least 400g of fruit and vegetables, following the recommendations of the WHO. A random sample of 282 south Brazilians ≥60years of age was evaluated. Measurements included a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic, behaviour, and health data; consume of fruit and vegetables by means of a 24-h diet recall, and oral status assessment, by means of oral examinations assessing the number of teeth and use of dental prosthesis. Multivariate Poisson regression showed that the only variable significantly associated with inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables was edentulism with the use of only one denture [PR=1·75 (1·11-2·74)]. Edentulous participants wearing only one denture were less likely to consume at least 400gday-1 of fruit and vegetables. These results indicate that, in edentulous community-dwelling elderly, oral health rehabilitation might play an important role in the maintenance of consumption of adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables, which is an important component of a healthy diet and also in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)533-540
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of oral rehabilitation
Volume38
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2011

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Dentures
  • Diet
  • Edentulism
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Nutrition
  • Tooth loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Dentistry

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