Individuals with fewer than 28 teeth reported a significantly lower intake of carrots, tossed salads, and dietary fibre than did fully dentate people; further, they had lower serum levels of beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C, indicating that dental status significantly affects diet and nutrition [5]. Although no statistical difference in BMI or intake of macronutrients was found between

two groups of participants divided by occlusal status (a lost-contact group and a retained-contact group), the lost-contact group reported significantly lower consumption of vegetables and higher consumption of confectionery products (foods rich in sugar) than did the retained contact group; therefore they had a significantly lower intake of vitamin C and dietary fibre [6]. It can be concluded that a loss of natural tooth contact in the posterior region affects the intake of vitamins EGFR assay and dietary fibre. The mean intakes of some key nutrients and food groups, such as carotene, vitamins A and C, dairy products, and vegetables (including green–yellow vegetables), decreased with the increasing number of teeth lost, and mean intakes of carbohydrate, rice, and confectionery products were selleckchem higher among those with fewer teeth [7]. These findings suggest that tooth loss leads to decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables but increased consumption of carbohydrates and confectionery products

in older adults. The dentate persons consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables, but the differences were not significant when juices were excluded [8]. If the diet of denture-wearers is to be improved, psychosocial factors and perceived chewing ability must be addressed because

chewing ability explained approximately 4% of the else variance in intake, and attitude, self-identity, and knowledge explained an additional 20% (approximately) [8]. The combination of tailored dietary interventions and replacement dentures can positively change dietary behaviour [9]. In this study, the intervention group (n = 30) received two dietary counselling sessions and the control group (n = 28) received current standard care. Perceived chewing ability increased significantly in both groups, but the dietary counselling group showed a greater increase in fruit and vegetable consumption than did the control group [9]. It is suggested that the consumption of fruits and vegetables is influenced by dental status or masticatory ability as well as attitude, self-identity, and knowledge. Although individuals wearing implant overdentures are significantly more likely to take in nutrients through fresh, whole fruits and vegetables than those with new complete dentures, there were no significant differences in nutritional state between the two groups as evaluated with blood nutrient levels [10]. A number of cross-sectional studies have shown a positive relationship between masticatory ability and serum albumin level.