Masticatory function and nutritional status in institutionalized elderly: influence of denture use

Abstract Background: Institutionalized elderly has been reported to poorer oral health status and this could compromise the general health of those individuals. Objective: To evaluate the influence of tooth loss and the use of removable dentures on chewing function and nutritional status of institutionalized elderly. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 155 elderly from seven long-stay institutions in João Pessoa - PB, from December 2018 to August 2019. The elderly were classified according to the presence of reminesncent teeth and use of dentures in four levels: toothless, without denture (1); toothless with complete denture (2); partial toothless without denture (3) and partial toothless with partial denture (4). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instrument and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Swallowing threshold was used for assessment of masticatory function, using a portion of roasted peanuts (3,7g). Comparisons among groups were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment, considering p<0.05. Results: MNA (p = 0.702) and BMI (p = 0.884) were not modified in relation to the presence of teeth and denture use. Toothless individuals without dentures had lower swallowing threshold (p 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of reminiscent teeth and the use of dentures do not influence the nutritional status of the elderly, but interfere with the masticatory function. Prosthetic rehabilitation is desirable for complete toothless individuals.