Poor oral health and the association with diet quality and intake in older people in two studies in the UK and USA

We aimed to investigate the associations of poor oral health cross-sectionally with diet quality and intake in older people. We also examined whether change in diet quality is associated with oral health problems. Data from the British Regional Heart Study (BRHS) comprising British males aged 71-92 years and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) Study comprising American males and females aged 71-80 years were used. Dental data included tooth loss, periodontal disease, dry mouth and self-rated oral health. Dietary data included diet quality (based on Elderly Dietary Index (BRHS) and Healthy Eating Score (HABC Study)) and several nutrients. In the BRHS, change in diet quality over 10 years (1998-2000 to 2010-2012) was also assessed. In the BRHS, tooth loss, fair/poor self-rated oral health and accumulation of oral health problems were associated with poor diet quality, after adjustment. Similar associations were reported for high intake of processed meat. Poor oral health was associated with the top quartile of percentage of energy content from saturated fat (self-rated oral health, OR 1 center dot 34, 95 % CI 1 center dot 02, 1 center dot 77). In the HABC Study, no significant associations were observed for diet quality after adjustment. Periodontal disease was associated with the top quartile of percentage of energy content from saturated fat (OR 1 center dot 48, 95 % CI 1 center dot 09, 2 center dot 01). In the BRHS, persistent low diet quality was associated with higher risk of tooth loss and accumulation of oral health problems. Older individuals with oral health problems had poorer diets and consumed fewer nutrient-rich foods. Persistent poor diet quality was associated with oral health problems later in life.

Automated summary

The study found associations between poor oral health and diet quality in older individuals, with persistent poor diet quality increasing the risk of tooth loss and oral health problems. Older individuals with oral health issues tended to have poorer diets and consume fewer nutrient-rich foods.