Evaluation of the relationship between tooth loss and food intake

Abstract

Nurishment and nutrition are basic requirements for the protection and promotion of health. Oral health status is an important factor for the nutrition. Since the primary function of teeth is mastication and chewing ability has a large influence on the nutritional status of human and because both diet and tooth loss are influenced by socio-economic status, the relationship between tooth loss and food intake is important. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between tooth loss and food intake in a group of middle-age population. Materials and Methods : A total of 200 participants with age range of 40-60 years were chosen from patients of Tabriz dental faculty and devided into four (each with 50 members) groups. The study population was classified into one of four groups by numbers of permanent teeth present : Those who had 28 permanent teeth and more(A) , 21 to 27 teeth(B) , 11 to 20 teeth(C) , 1 to 10 teeth(D) . Required data for the study was gathered by interviews, oral and dental examinations, anthropometric measurements and 24-hour dietary recall. Data from the stady was analyzed by descriptive statiscal methods ( Data abundance, percentage, mean and standard deviation), Variance test(for the variables with normal distribution), Kruskal-wallis test(for the variables with uneven distribution) and Pearson,s chi-square test. Results : Statistical analysis proved that by controlling important confounding factors, individuals with more teeth had higher mean body mass index, weight, height, energy and nutrient intake compared to those with fewer teeth, and all these differences were statistically significant. Conclusion : Food intake and nutritional status are associated with oral health status and number of teeth.