Healthy People 2010 objectives call for increased consumption of fruit, vegetables and grains, but adults with compromised dentitions may be hindered in achieving those objectives. This study explored dental status disparities in dietary intake and nutritional status outcomes. NHANES III data for 6,981 adults 25+ years who had missing teeth but no prostheses were compared with the fully dentate (28 natural teeth) for the intake of carrots, tossed salad and dietary fiber and for levels of three biochemical analytes. Multivariate linear regression analyses adjusting for gender, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, smoking status, and vitamin and mineral supplement use were conducted using SUDAAN software. The adjusted mean intake per month of carrots (2.3) and tossed salads (6.2) among those with 1-10 teeth were, respectively, 2.5 and 1.8 times less than for the fully dentate (p<0.001). their reported adjusted mean intake of dietary fiber (12.4 grams) was 1.37 times lower than the fully dentate (p=0.007). Adjusted mean biochemical analyte levels for serum beta carotene (13.3 ug/dL), serum folate (4.7 ng/dL) and serum vitamin C (0.55 mg/dL) among those with 1-10 teeth were lower, respectively, by 1.4, 1.3 and 1.5 times (p<0.05). Dental status disparities in the less frequent intake of nutritious food items, lower intake of dietary fiber and lower levels of important biochemical analytes indicate that those with few remaining natural teeth comprise a segment of the population at nutritional disadvantage and provide examples of how oral health status may impact general health.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the relationship of dental disparities to the intake of food items and dietary fiber. 2. Describe the relationship of dental status disparities to the levels of important biochemical analytes for nutrients.
Keywords: Oral Health Outcomes, Food and Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.