A research group at Tohoku University has revealed that even people who have lost many teeth can maintain or improve their protein intake by using prosthetic devices such as dentures.
Low protein intake in the elderly leads to decreased muscle mass and increased risk of frailty and sarcopenia.It is known that protein intake decreases in people who have lost a lot of teeth, but it is unclear whether there is a difference in protein intake with or without the use of prosthetic devices such as dentures.
Therefore, the research group analyzed a cross-sectional survey (74) of about 2 elderly people aged 2019 and over.Number of teeth (20 or more/10-19/0-9), use of prosthetic devices (dentures, bridges, implants, etc.), and protein per total calorie intake estimated by questionnaire (total protein, animal protein/vegetable protein) was evaluated.
The results showed that people with 0 to 9 legs and no prosthetic device had a 1% lower protein intake per daily energy intake.However, it was also revealed that the decrease in protein intake was 2.3%, which is about 0% smaller, in people with 9 to 0.5 prosthetic devices.
Tooth loss can lead to the development of various diseases and disorders, especially in the elderly.Appropriate dental prosthetic treatment using dentures, bridges, and implants may improve nutritional status and prevent various health problems caused by malnutrition.
Paper information:[Journal of Oral Rehabilitation] Dental prosthesis use is associated with higher protein intake among older adults with tooth loss
