Tooth Loss Linked to Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults

A study published in the Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice says older adults are at risk for both impaired oral health and malnutrition, reports News-Medical . Rutgers University researchers analyzed the health records of 107 community-dwelling seniors treated at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine clinic between 2015 and 2016. More than 25 percent exhibited malnutrition or were at risk for malnutrition. Subjects with 10 to 19 teeth were more likely to be at risk, and those categorized as having malnutrition had higher rates of weight loss, ate less, and more often said they had dementia and/or depression and severe illnesses than those with a normal nutrition status. Rutgers' Rena Zelig says these results show that dental clinics are ideal locations to conduct nutritional status screenings as they can identify individuals who may not regularly visit a primary care provider and who may be at malnutrition risk. "Clinicians also can provide seniors with referrals to Registered Dietitians and community assistance programs such as Meals on Wheels to prevent further decline in nutritional status," she notes.