Oral Health in Older Adults and Its Impact on Nutrition, Chewing, and Digestion
Oral and dental health in older adults is considered one of the fundamental components of overall health, as it has a direct impact on nutrition, digestive function, and quality of life. With advancing age, oral health challenges increase due to natural physiological changes, in addition to the accumulation of chronic diseases and the use of multiple medications. This makes dental health a crucial factor in maintaining independence and well-being in this age group.
Aging is associated with several oral changes, including an increased prevalence of chronic periodontal disease, partial or complete tooth loss, gingival recession with a higher incidence of root caries, and the common occurrence of dry mouth resulting from medications such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, and diabetes drugs. These changes affect not only the anatomical structure of the mouth but also its primary function—chewing.
Chewing represents the first stage of the digestive process, as it breaks down food and increases its surface area, thereby facilitating the action of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. When older adults suffer from the loss of a sufficient number of teeth or poorly fitting dentures, chewing efficiency is significantly reduced. This often leads them to avoid hard or fibrous foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, and instead rely on soft foods that are frequently low in essential nutrients.
Numerous studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between dental status and malnutrition in older adults. Tooth loss is associated with reduced intake of proteins, fiber, and vitamins—particularly vitamins B12, C, and D. Higher rates of anemia, weakened immunity, and loss of muscle mass have also been observed among older individuals with untreated oral problems, increasing their risk of systemic diseases and negatively affecting their functional ability and independence.
The impact of poor chewing is not limited to nutrition alone but also extends to the digestive system. Swallowing food without adequate chewing places extra strain on the stomach and increases the likelihood of indigestion, bloating, and gas—common complaints among older adults. Conversely, maintaining healthy teeth or effective dental prostheses improves digestion and nutrient absorption, thereby enhancing overall health.
On the other hand, balanced nutrition plays an important role in maintaining oral health itself. Calcium and vitamin D help preserve the alveolar bone, proteins support the repair of oral tissues, and vitamin C is essential for gum health. Adequate water intake also helps reduce dry mouth and stimulates saliva production, which serves as the first line of defense against dental caries and infections.
In this context, the dentist plays a pivotal role in the care of older adults by focusing on prevention and early treatment, preserving natural teeth as much as possible, and replacing missing teeth with appropriate solutions that take the patient’s general health into consideration. Health education on oral hygiene and proper nutrition is also a key component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
In conclusion, oral health in older adults is not merely a local or cosmetic issue; it is a fundamental factor that influences nutrition, digestion, and overall health. The integration of dental care and proper nutrition forms a vital foundation for healthy aging and improves quality of life and independence in older adults.
The International Health Organization (IHO) plays a pivotal role in promoting oral health as an integral part of overall health, particularly among older adults. In its Global Oral Health Strategy (2022–2030), the organization has emphasized that oral diseases—most notably tooth loss and periodontal diseases—are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases affecting older populations, and that they have a direct impact on nutrition, chewing ability, and quality of life. The IHO calls for the integration of oral health services into primary health care systems, ensuring that older adults have access to regular check-ups as well as preventive and restorative treatments at affordable costs.
The organization also stresses the importance of prevention through reducing sugar consumption, promoting healthy diets rich in calcium and vitamins, and addressing shared risk factors between oral diseases and chronic conditions such as smoking, poor nutrition, and diabetes. Within the framework of “healthy ageing,” the IHO recommends the development of national policies aimed at preserving oral function—including the ability to chew and speak—as a fundamental component of independence and dignity in older adults. This approach reflects the organization’s recognition that investing in oral health is a direct investment in public health and quality of life in later years.
Download a booklet explaining the most important recommendations on this topic from the FDI
Prepared by:
Dr. Adham Ahmad Farroukh
Dentist – Specialist in Microscopic Endodontics
- World Health Organization (WHO).
Oral Health for an Ageing Population
https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/oral-health
- Petersen PE, Yamamoto T.
Improving the oral health of older people: the approach of the WHO Global Oral Health Programme.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 2005.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15642045/
- Sheiham A, Steele JG, Marcenes W, et al.
The relationship among dental status, nutrient intake, and nutritional status in older people.
Journal of Dental Research, 2001.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11332523/
- Touger-Decker R, Mobley CC.
Position of the American Dietetic Association: oral health and nutrition.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2007.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17904931/
- Glick M.
Burket’s Oral Medicine, 13th Edition.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9781455777252/burkets-oral-medicine
