Poor oral health in older adults can have consequences that go far beyond cavities, tooth loss, or bad breath.
In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we are continuing our oral health series by looking at two serious complications of poor oral health: malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia.
The mouth is the first route of nutrition. Problems with the mouth can make eating more difficult, contribute to unintended weight loss, and affect overall nutrition. Poor oral hygiene can also play an important role in aspiration pneumonia, particularly for older adults with dysphagia.
Listen to the episode or watch the video above to learn more about the connection between poor oral health in older adults, nutrition, and overall health.
Poor Oral Health in Older Adults and Malnutrition
Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t receive the nutrition it needs, particularly enough calories and protein to preserve muscle mass.
Over time, inadequate nutrition can contribute to:
- Loss of muscle and body fat
- Reduced strength
- Decreased independence
- Weaker bones
- A weaker immune system
- More hospitalizations
- Poorer overall health
So what does poor oral health in older adults have to do with malnutrition? Quite a bit.
As stated previously, the mouth is the first route of nutrition. If someone has pain from untreated dental problems, missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures, dry mouth, or difficulty chewing, eating can become challenging.
When eating becomes difficult or painful, someone may begin eating less or avoiding certain foods.
Meat and other high-protein foods may become difficult to chew. Raw fruits and vegetables may disappear from the plate. Nuts may feel impossible to eat. Over time, total food intake may continue to decrease.
Without enough calories and protein, unintended weight loss and malnutrition can follow.
Questions About Oral Health and Nutrition
When working with older adults, we often ask about appetite and weight loss. But it is also important to ask about the mouth.
Questions might include:
- Does it hurt to eat?
- Have you stopped eating certain foods?
- How are your dentures fitting?
- Are there foods you’ve given up because they’re difficult to chew?
These questions can help uncover nutrition concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Poor Oral Health in Older Adults and Aspiration Pneumonia
Another important concern discussed in this episode is aspiration pneumonia.
Normally, food and liquid should travel down the esophagus toward the stomach. Aspiration occurs when food, liquid, or even saliva enters the lungs instead.
This is more common among older adults with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.
Someone with dysphagia may work with a speech-language pathologist, complete a swallow study, follow a modified diet, and perform recommended swallowing exercises.
But even when someone follows these recommendations, aspiration pneumonia can still occur.
One reason is saliva.
Oral Bacteria and Aspiration Pneumonia
We swallow saliva throughout the day without even thinking about it.
When someone has poor oral hygiene, bacteria can build up in the mouth. If bacteria-containing saliva is accidentally aspirated into the lungs, it can contribute to aspiration pneumonia.
This is why oral hygiene can play such an important role in dysphagia management.
Cleaning the teeth, gums, and dentures is about more than preventing cavities. Good oral care may also help reduce the risk of serious infections such as aspiration pneumonia.
Poor Oral Health Can Affect Quality of Life
Poor oral health in older adults can also affect emotional well-being and quality of life.
Pain, missing teeth, bad breath, inflamed gums, or difficulty eating can affect confidence and social relationships.
Some older adults may begin avoiding social situations because eating has become uncomfortable or embarrassing. Others may lose interest in food because every meal feels like a struggle.
When this happens, nutrition may decline even further.
The Takeaway
Poor oral health in older adults isn’t just a dental issue.
It’s a nutrition issue. It’s a quality-of-life issue, and sometimes it can even be a life-or-death issue.
Recognizing oral health concerns early may help older adults maintain better nutrition, reduce the risk of malnutrition, and potentially reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and follow along as we continue exploring nutrition, health, and aging.
More From The Geriatric Dietitian
Want more nutrition information to support healthy aging?
Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide:
https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/