Masticatory Function and Nutritional Status in Brazilian Institutionalized Elders: Influence of Denture Use

Author(s)

Wanderley, Rayssa Lucena ^[1] ; Gomes Filho, Francisco Naldo ^[1] ; Rocha Bonifacio, Maryana Fernanda ^[1] ; Freire, Aldelany Ramalho ^[2] ; Santos de Oliveira, Luiz Fabricio ^[2] ; Davino de Medeiros, Mariana Marinho ^[3] ; Cunha Rodrigues Garcia, Renata Matheus ^[3] ; Cavalcanti, Yuri Wanderley ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Paraiba, Sch Dent, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Paraiba, Grad Program Dent, Clin & Social Dent Dept, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Piracicaba Dent Sch, Prosthodont & Periodontol Dept, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PESQUISA BRASILEIRA EM ODONTOPEDIATRIA E CLINICA INTEGRADA; v. 21, 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of tooth loss and the use of removable dentures on chewing function and nutritional status of institutionalized elders. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 elders from seven long-stay institutions in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. The participants were classified according to the presence of reminiscent teeth and use of dentures in four levels: toothless, without denture (1); toothless with a complete denture (2); partial toothless without denture (3) and partial toothless with a partial denture (4). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instrument and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Swallowing threshold was used for the assessment of masticatory function, using a portion of roasted peanuts (3.7 g). Comparisons among groups were performed using KruskalWallis test with Bonferroni adjustment, considering p<0.05. Results: MNA (p=0.702) and BMI (p=0.884) were not modified in relation to the presence of teeth and denture use. Toothless individuals without dentures had a lower swallowing threshold (p 0.001), whilst partial toothless with dentures had better masticatory function (p 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of reminiscent teeth and the use of dentures do not influence the nutritional status of the elders but interfere with the masticatory function. Prosthetic rehabilitation is desirable for complete toothless individuals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/06185-6 - Oral condition and physical and nutritional status of the elderly in long-stay institutions: multicenter study
• Grantee: Mariana Marinho Davino de Medeiros
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master