(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
WEARING dentures may have negative impacts on the elderly.
“Tooth loss and receiving dentures are life-changing events for a person,” said Dr. Thankam Thyvalikakath, a dentist.
However, she said, “dentures, although better than not having any teeth, do not provide the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth and therefore may alter eating habits.”
Dr. Thyvalikakath is the led author of a study conducted by researchers at the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD).
They examined the dental and health records of more than 10,000 people and found a significant decline in certain nutritional markers such as calcium, serum albumin, and creatinine among patients within two years of their receiving their dentures, reports Alyssa Hui of SeniorsMatter.
Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins found in the blood. An abnormal amount of albumin may suggest liver or kidney issues or that a person has a nutrient deficiency.
Creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles and normally filtered by the kidneys from the blood and expelled in the urine. Kidney issues means less creatinine filtered and expelled.
The study found declining trends of serum albumin, protein, calcium and hemoglobin among denture wearers compared to non-denture wearers.
Based on these findings, Dr. Thyvalikakath say that older adults and their caregivers need to be aware of the risk of undernutrition when they receive treatment to replace lost or missing teeth.
Adults who have dentures may eat softer foods that are typically higher in carbohydrates but lower in protein and fiber. An unbalanced diet may affect the overall health of the elderly, especially seniors who are diabetic.
Dentures can lessen saliva production and make it difficult to chew certain kinds of food. This is especially true when dentures don’t fit well. It may result in less food intake that may cause mal- or undernutrition.
Reduced chewing efficiency can lead to diets that are softer and with less fiber.
The study found that chewing and swallowing problems among those who wear dentures do not have the sufficient nutrition to prevent potential healthy issues.
Dr. Thyvalikakath says more research is required to determine what nutritional markers impact overall health.
“I don’t think we have a good understanding about healthy values versus normal values,” she told SeniorMatters.
“All I can say is the numbers are more towards the lower end of the normal range value, but we are unable without doing more investigation [to say] how it impacts your physical health. It’s hard to tell the difference between a healthy value and normal value.”
Her advice: caregivers should monitor the nutrition condition of an elderly who wears dentures.
Dentures that don’t fit well should be corrected. They rub on gum tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding, which may bring about infection.
The weight and muscle mass of an elderly who wear dentures must be monitored. Because of chewing or swallowing difficulties, they may eat less than usual, a condition that can affect their health and nutrition.
Caregivers must also watch out for senior who gain weight more than usual. It may mean they are eating more calorie-rich foods that may not be nutritious.
The researchers are not saying dentures are bad and unnecessary. What they’re saying is that older adults and caregivers should know the potential consequences of a diet that’s been changed because of dentures.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
