Nutritional assessment in completely edentulous geriatric patients

Abstract

Aims and objectives: The relationship between nutrition and oral health in geriatric patients is controversial and complex. It has been suggested that poor oral health leads to a decreased ability to chew having profound influence on diet, food selection, and therefore affect the nutritional status of an individual. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edentulousness on the nutritional health of geriatric patients. Materials and methods: A total of 200 completely edentulous geriatric patients were selected for the study. The nutritional status was assessed using the mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) form before the complete denture treatment. The individual scores obtained for each question based on which the total score was determined. Correct responses of each question were calculated in percentage. Results: The results showed statistically insignificant differences in the total MNA scores between males and females in the study. The edentulous patients without complete dentures had significantly lower MNA scores and 88.5% of the study group were at risk of malnourishment. Conclusion: Prosthetic rehabilitation of the edentulous subjects, along with the dietary counseling can improve the nutritional status of geriatric complete denture patients as it will enhance the chewing ability and function. Clinical significance: Early assessment of nutritional status in completely edentulous patients can permit an early nutritional intervention when necessary so as to prevent malnutrition.