Dietary habits in denture wearers

Abstract

Introduction: Tooth loss significantly impacts an individual’s well-being, leading to malnutrition, reduced quality of life, and decreased masticatory function. Dentures serve as a solution to replace missing teeth, enhancing masticatory function, diet, aesthetics, and overall quality of life. Aim of study: To investigate the dietary habits of denture wearers and explore how dentures may influence the nutrition, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and patient satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult denture wearers. A questionnaire was distributed, assessing socio-demographic factors, dietary habits, food frequency, OHRQoL, and denture satisfaction. Data was gathered both online via a Google form and in person by distributing copies in care homes and the University of Malta dental teaching clinic. Results: Denture use was found to significantly influence dietary choices and OHRQoL. Denture wearers selected softer foods such as soup (p = 0.038) more frequently, while participants with fewer remaining teeth were more likely to avoid hard foods like nuts (p = 0.008) and hard bread (p = 0.038). Low mandibular denture satisfaction was associated with more frequent consumption of soft bread (p = 0.016). Higher OHRQoL scores correlated with more meals consumed per day (p = 0.008), and a longer denture-wearing experience was linked to an improved OHRQoL (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Denture use impacts dietary preferences and OHRQoL, with implications on patient’s nutrition. Patients with higher OHRQoL and greater denture satisfaction reported eating a more varied diet, and more frequent meals. To enhance nutrition and overall well-being, dental professionals should prioritise well-fitted dentures, offer dietary advice, and provide regular follow-up care.