Diet and Oral Health: A Vicious Circle for Some Seniors

Oral Concerns of Older Adults

Other Reasons for a Poor Diet

Eating a Healthy Diet

No matter your age, it's important to eat a healthy diet. It should include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to keep fats and sweets to a minimum. Such a diet provides vitamins and minerals that keep your entire body — including your mouth — healthy and strong. Talk to a nutritionist or a dietician if you need help planning a healthy diet.

Eating right is especially important for older people. That's because poor nutrition can contribute to a decline in health. People in poor health are less likely to eat well. So are people with mouth or teeth problems. A vicious circle can result. This can have serious health consequences. Older people who live in nursing homes may be at a particular risk of developing vitamin deficiencies. They also may have more oral health problems.

People who wear dentures may not be able to chew well. They may lean toward soft diets, which are often high in carbohydrates and low in nutritional value.

Oral Concerns of Older Adults

Many older adults have mouth or teeth problems that make them less likely to consume a healthy diet.

Physical factors include:

Changes in chewing ability
Dry mouth (usually a side effect of medicine)
Changes in taste and smell
Slowing of metabolism and activity level
Reduction in nutrient absorption (sometimes caused by medicine)
Changes in eyesight and hearing
Physical disabilities
Untreated tooth decay
Loose teeth
Missing teeth that haven't been replaced with bridges, dentures or implants
Ill-fitting bridges or dentures

Regular dental care can improve or prevent many of these problems. However, many older people do not visit a dentist regularly.

Other Reasons for a Poor Diet

Many seniors lead a healthy, active life. Others may be isolated or lack the resources to live well. These problems can lead to a poor diet, which can cause physical problems. Factors that increase the risk of a poor diet include:

Isolation and loneliness
Depression
Low income
Changes in living arrangements
Alcohol abuse
Drug/nutrient interactions
Improper use of nutritional supplements

Eating a Healthy Diet

Here are some suggestions to help you eat an adequate diet even if you are having health problems.

If you have problems chewing, you can:

Chop, grind or puree meats.
Use canned, sugar-free fruits and vegetables.
Cook fresh vegetables to make them softer.
Eat softer breads and pasta.
Use instant breakfast drinks.

If you have dry mouth, you can:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Suck on sugarless candies.
Talk to your dentist or doctor about saliva supplements.

If you have a diminished or altered sense of taste, you can:

Add spices to your food.
Try flavored dairy products (such as yogurt).
Eat whole-grain breads and raw vegetables (they have more flavor).

If you have arthritis or a physical disability, you can:

Eat plenty of stews, soups and applesauce.
Eat tender meats or have your meats pureed.
Have your fruits and vegetables cut into small pieces.

Visit your dentist if you have mouth pain, missing teeth, ill-fitting dentures or bridges, or other oral problems.

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