An older adult with poor oral health may avoid or modify foods in the diet in order to make them more palatable. This can negatively impact the patient's nutrition. The authors are from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Wake Forest University and the University of Alabama.
Patient selection: adult > 60 years of age
A decline in oral health may involve:
(1) absence of teeth
(2) dentures
(3) difficulty chewing
(4) painful chewing
(5) xerostomia
Responses may include:
(1) avoiding certain foods
(2) modifying the food or its preparation to make it softer, easier to swallow, etc.
A person avoiding certain foods may increase intake of undesirable items (fat, sugar) and decrease intake of desirable items (vegetables, fruits). This may be an issue for a poor person who may have limited alternatives.
The patient may also
(1) feel uncomfortable eating with others which may contribute to social isolation.
(2) miss out on the enjoyment offered by diet
Differential diagnosis:
(1) dietary change due to swallowing difficulties
(2) dietary change due to anorexia
