Oral Health and Nutrition in the Elderly

Abstract

Abstract There is a multidirectional association between nutrition and oral health. Oral diseases such as dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer compromise the condition of teeth and supporting tissues, which, in turn, impacts food choice, nutritional intake, and quality of life. Conversely, nutritional status affects the development and progression of oral diseases. The cyclical nature of this interaction is particularly important in older adults, because elders are at increased risk for both poor nutritional status and oral health problems. Still, an oral health assessment is not a routine component of periodic examinations or nutrition counseling for older adults. To include this oft‐overlooked component of systemic health, health care providers must understand the link between nutrition and oral health and learn how to conduct simple oral health assessments. The knowledge gained from an oral health assessment will help clinicians provide more appropriate nutritional counseling and enable them to screen for and make appropriate referrals for oral health problems that may adversely affect their patients' nutritional status. Simple oral health assessments can be easily administered by health professionals, can be completed in less than five minutes, and may have the potential to improve patients' oral health, nutrition, overall health, and, ultimately, the quality of their lives.