Functional dentition and edentulism associated with mortality: A cohort study of older adults in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the lack of a functional dentition and edentulism with mortality in a cohort of older adults in a Southern Brazilian city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal study carried out with community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years old) from Pelotas, Brazil, using data from the baseline (2014) and the first follow-up (2017). Main exposures were functional dentition (20+ teeth present) and edentulism (absence of all teeth), derived from self-reported number of teeth. All-causes mortality was evaluated according to the city's Epidemiological Surveillance Department. Potential confounders were age, sex, socioeconomic position, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index (BMI). To test the association between functional dentition and edentulism with mortality, Poisson regression models with robust variance were used, to estimate Relative Risks and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 1289 older adults had information on all variables of interest and comprise the analytical sample (from 1451 at baseline). When analysing the presence of functional dentition, only 222 individuals (17.2%) had 20 or more teeth in their mouth, while 490 older adults were edentulous (38.0%). Crude analysis showed an association between tooth loss indicators and mortality. Models adjusted for sociodemographic variables and health conditions and behaviours revelled no association between the exposures and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: With the findings of this study, we did not identify an association between edentulism and functional dentition with mortality, after considering important shared risk factors.

Time-varying exposure analysis of the relationship between sustained natural dentition and cognitive decline.

AIM: Tooth loss and cognitive decline progress over time and influence each other. This study estimated the impact of sustaining natural dentition on cognitive function in U.S. adults, accounting for the fact that dental and cognitive statuses change over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from adults aged ≥51 years who participated in five waves of the Health and Retirement Study from 2004 to 2016 (n = 10,953) were analysed. The impact of retaining some natural teeth from 2006 to 2012 on cognitive function score (0-27) and cognitive impairment (defined as having a cognitive function score of <12) in 2016 was evaluated using the doubly robust targeted maximum likelihood estimation method by considering both time-invariant and time-varying confounders, including cognitive function at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: Respondents with some natural teeth between 2006 and 2012 had a 0.40 point (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.71) higher cognitive function score and 3.27 percentage point (95% CI: 0.11-6.66) lower cognitive impairment prevalence in 2016 than those with complete tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS: Considering past cognitive function assessed at multiple time points, sustained natural dentition was associated with better cognitive function.

Airway Phenotypes and Nocturnal Wearing of Dentures in Elders with Sleep Apnea.

The objective of this study was to examine to what extent the anatomic characteristics of the upper airway can influence the effect of nocturnal wearing of dentures on the sleep of edentulous elders with untreated sleep apnea. This study used the data from a randomized crossover clinical trial and an exploratory approach to address its objectives. Cone beam computed tomography scans of 65 edentulous individuals (female, n = 37; male, n = 28; mean ± SD age, 74.54 ± 6.42 y) with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were used to identify anatomic variables. Polysomnography data were collected by means of one portable overnight recording. The respiratory variable values, including apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), with and without denture worn during sleep were used to calculate the change. Statistical analyses included multiple linear regressions, cluster analysis, and binary logistic regressions. A receiver operator characteristic curve was used to illustrate the accuracy of the statistical model. The regression model explained 15.8% (R2) of AHI change. An increase in the lateral dimension of the minimum cross-sectional area was associated with a decrease in AHI, oxygen desaturation index, and respiratory arousal index changes (P ≤ 0.041). Furthermore, an increase in the length of the hypopharynx was associated with an increase in AHI and oxygen desaturation index changes (P ≤ 0.027). An increase in the lateral dimension of the minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway was associated with a decreased likelihood of being in the group having a worsened AHI (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.95; P = 0.006). An increase in the length of the oropharynx was associated with an increased likelihood of having increased AHI (odds ratio = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20; P = 0.026). The nocturnal aggravation of respiratory variables in edentulous individuals with OSA who wear dentures at night can be linked to certain anatomic characteristics of the upper airway. Replication of these findings may open novel avenues for personalized advice regarding nocturnal wearing of dentures in edentulous individuals with OSA (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01868295).

Are partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis more prone to develop peri-implantitis over the long term?

Aim This study aimed to compare the long-term outcome of implant therapy in partially edentulous patients with severe periodontitis compared to those with no history of periodontitis.Design Retrospective cohort study.Cohort selection Eighty-eight patients (34 men and 54 women; age ranging from 28 to 45 years) with severe periodontitis (47 patients with 108 implants) and no history of periodontitis (41 patients with 78 implants) were included in this institutional study. All these cohorts had received implants 6-8 years previously.Data analysis Probing pocket depth, radiographic marginal bone level and peri-implantitis were the primary outcomes, while bleeding on probing was the secondary outcome. The effect of variables was measured by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Both patient-level and implant-level analyses were used to evaluate the association between peri-implantitis and potential risk factors. In addition, the association between probing pocket depth and radiographic marginal bone level with potential risk factors was assessed at implant-level analyses. In contrast, for patient-level data, a positive relationship was assessed with the Chi-square test.Results Patients with a history of severe periodontitis (OR = 11.13; p = 0.045), implants with a lack (<2 mm) of peri-implant keratinised mucosa (OR = 14.94; p <0.001) and implants placed in bone-grafted sites (OR = 4.93; p = 0.047) were associated with greater risk of peri-implantitis, at 6-8 years post-implant placement. The risk of developing radiographic marginal bone level ≥3 mm was significantly greater (OR = 1.20; p <0.001) in patients with higher full-mouth bleeding scores. The chance of peri-implant bleeding on probing was independently and especially higher in patients who brushed their teeth at most once per day (OR = 3.20; p = 0.04), with higher full-mouth bleeding score values (OR = 1.16; p <0.001) and irregular recall visits (OR = 15.34; p = 0.001).Conclusion This retrospective cohort study concluded that partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis were more prone to develop peri-implantitis at 6-8 years post-implant placement.

Impact of Wearing Dentures on Dietary Intake, Nutritional Status, and Eating: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: A key purpose of denture provision is to enable eating, yet the body of evidence pertaining to the impact of dentures on wide-ranging nutritional outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review published evidence pertaining to the effect of wearing removable dental prosthesis on dietary intake, nutritional status, eating function, and eating related-quality of life (ERQoL). METHODS: Eight questions relating to the impact of wearing dentures on nutritional outcomes were addressed. The target population was healthy adults aged ≥18 y. Data sources included Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed. Included were all human epidemiologic studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa score was used for appraisal of study quality. Harvest plots, vote counting, and accompanying narrative provided the basis for synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 1,245 records identified, 134 were retrieved and eligibility assessed by 2 reviewers, and 41 studies were included in the synthesis (14 rated good quality, 20 fair, and 7 poor). The balance of data supported a positive impact of wearing full (5/7 studies) or partial (3/3 studies) dentures (vs. no dentures) on nutritional status, though no clear direction of effect was detected for the impact of dentures on dietary intake. The balance of data clearly showed that objective measures of eating function were compromised in full (14/15 studies) and partial (6/7 studies) denture wearers as compared with the dentate. Data showed that ERQoL was also compromised in denture wearers as compared with the dentate (3/3 studies). However, data showed a positive impact of wearing dentures on ERQoL (5/5 studies) as opposed to wearing no dentures. CONCLUSION: The balance of evidence shows that despite no clear pattern on impact of wearing dentures on measured dietary intake, in those with tooth loss, wearing dentures can have a positive impact on nutritional status and enjoyment of eating. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this systematic review can be used to advocate for health care services to address prosthodontic need to benefit nutritional outcomes. The findings will be of use in educating health care professionals on the impact of wearing dentures and not addressing prosthodontic need on nutritional outcomes.

A Fixed Reconstruction of Partially Edentulous Patient With Systemic Scleroderma: A 4.8-year Follow-Up Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune multisystem disease affecting several organs. In the oral cavity, its manifestations include enlarged periodontal ligament, xerostomia, microsomia, alveolar bone loss, and premature teeth loss. A removable prosthesis would not be a treatment option due to loss of hand dexterity, reduced chewing capacity, microsomia, and xerostomia in these patients. Alternatively, implant-supported fixed restorations are a plausible treatment for these patients. However, there is very limited literature showing implant survival rate in patients with SSc for a long follow-up. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old female patient with SSc presented to our clinic. She was diagnosed with SSc 25 years ago. Initial clinical and radiological examination revealed that she showed slight to moderate chronic periodontitis, tooth cavities, remaining tooth tips, and a partial edentulism in the posterior areas. A total of seven implants were placed at different time points. The remaining upper teeth were crowned. At 4.8 years follow-up, the placed implants showed no sign of peri-implant disease. CONCLUSION: This case report indicated that 4.8 years of follow-up revealed good oral hygiene and clinically or radiologically no sign of peri-implant disease around the implants in a patient with SSc. Implant-supported fixed restoration could be a viable treatment approach in these patients.

Dispositivos intraorais no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em pacientes desdentados: uma revisão sistematizada de literatura / Intraoral devices in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in edentulous patients: a systematized literature review

Objetivo: elucidar aspectos envolvidos no uso dos dispositivos intraorais para apneia obstrutiva do sono em indivíduos desdentados totais, como a eficácia dos dispositivos, o conforto e retenção/estabilidade. Metodologia: essa revisão seguiu o checklist do PRISMA, no qual foram incluídos estudos clínicos em inglês, sem restrição de tempo, em que foram utilizados dispositivos para apneia obstrutiva do sono em pacientes desdentados bimaxilares. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados PubMed / MEDLINE, Cochrane e SCOPUS até março de 2021. Resultados: Após as diferentes etapas do processo de seleção dos artigos, foram selecionados 6 estudos para esta revisão, sendo 5 relatos de caso e 1 ensaio clínico. Os estudos relataram uma redução no índice apneia-hipopneia. Em três estudos houve redução expressiva, proporcionando a redução no grau de apneia, de severa para moderada e moderada para leve. A protrusão alcançada com os dispositivos foi adequada para o efeito desejado, em todos os dispositivos. Os estudos não reportam deslocamento do dispositivo e apenas um relata desconforto temporário. Conclusão: Os dispositivos intraorais foram eficazes no tratamento da apneia obstrutiva do sono em pacientes desdentados e os usuários não tiveram queixas quanto ao conforto e estáveis... (AU)

Objective: to elucidate aspects involved in the use of intraoral devices for obstructive sleep apnea in complete edentulous patients, such as the effectiveness of these devices, comfort and retention/stability. Methodology: this review followed the PRISMA checklist, included clinical studies in English, without publication restrictions, in which intraoral devices were used for obstructive sleep apnea in edentulous bimaxillary patients. The search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases, until March 2021. Results: After the different stages of the article selection process, 6 studies were selected for this review, 5 case reports and 1 clinical trial. The studies reported a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index. In three studies there was a significant reduction in the degree of apnea, from severe to moderate and moderate to mild. The protrusion achieved with the devices was adequate for the desired effect, in all devices. Studies did not report displacement of the device and only one reports temporary discomfort. Conclusion: Intraoral devices were effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea in edentulous patients and users had no complaints about comfort and stability... (AU)

Relación entre Estado Nutricional e ingesta dietética con pérdida de dientes en pacientes con hipertensión en Padongko Health Centro de la regencia de Barru / Relationship between Nutritional Status and Dietary Intake with Tooth Loss on Hypertension Patients at Padongko Health Center of Barru Regency

Objective: The biggest problems of oral and dental health in Indonesia are the ignorance on the dental and oral hygiene leading to tooth loss, so can highly affect the nutritional status and dietary intake. To discover the relationship between the tooth loss and the hypertension case at Padongko health center of Barru regency. Methods: The research is analytic observation using cross-sectional method. The population of the research is the respondents suffering from the hypertension and tooth loss to determine their nutritional status and dietary intake. The population was the patients with primary hypertension, a purposive sampling technique was applied through path analysis test. Results: Based on the path analysis results, the relationship between nutritional status and hypertension revealed p value=0,562>α=0,05; dietary intake and hypertension showed p value=0,377>α=0,05; therefore, the Ha obtained indicated the existing relationship but not significant. The relationship between nutritional status and tooth loss obtained p value=0,065>α=0,05; dietary intake and tooth loss obtained p value=0,499, in which the Ha obtained had a relationship but not significant. Meanwhile, the relationship between hypertension and tooth loss was indicated by p value=0,001<α=0,05 showing a significant relationship. Conclusion: There is a relationship between nutritional status and dietary intake with tooth loss on hypertension patients, but insignificantly shown

Preventing trauma during rigid oesophagoscopy in the edentulous patient: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Rigid oesophagoscopy is a widely used therapeutic and diagnostic procedure. Smooth friction-free insertion of the rigid scope is important to prevent oral and oesophageal mucosal damage, as such damage can cause delays in oral intake or more serious complications such as perforation. Protection appliances such as gum guards are useful adjuncts to cushion the teeth in rigid oesophagoscopy; however, there are no specific adjuncts for the edentulous patient. METHODS: In order to investigate different adjuncts, the force required to pull a standard adult rigid oesophagoscope from a metal clamp whilst enclosed in dry gauze, wet gauze, a gum guard or sleek on gauze was recorded, and a prospective audit of post-procedural trauma was performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Less force was required to create movement of the scope against sleek on gauze, with a lower rate of oral trauma (8 per cent) compared to that reported in the literature. Sleek on gauze is recommended for the edentulous patient.

The relationship between oral health and COPD exacerbations.

Introduction: Poor oral health has been implicated as an independent risk factor for the development of COPD, but few studies have evaluated the association between oral health and COPD exacerbations. We aimed to determine if poor oral health is associated with COPD exacerbations and/or worse respiratory health. Methods: We performed a case-control study of oral health among COPD exacerbators and non-exacerbators. Cases (exacerbators) had experienced ≥1 exacerbation in the previous 12 months, while controls (non-exacerbators) had no exacerbations in the previous 24 months. We excluded those with <4 teeth. We evaluated the global oral health assessment, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-5), dental symptoms/habits, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). In a subset, we performed blinded dental exams to measure bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, periodontitis severity, plaque index, gingival index, and carries risk. We evaluated associations between oral health and COPD exacerbations using logistic regression. Linear regression was used to assess relationships between oral health and SGRQ scores. Results: Screened non-exacerbators (n=118) were significantly more likely to have <4 teeth, compared to screened exacerbators (n=100) (44% vs 30%, respectively; p=0.046). After excluding those with <4 teeth, there were 70 cases and 66 controls. Self-reported oral health and objective dental exam measures did not vary significantly between cases vs controls. However, the odds of severe COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalizations and/or emergency department visits trended higher in those with worse dental exam compared to those with better dental exam. Worse OHIP-5 was strongly associated with worse SGRQ scores. Conclusions: Oral health status was not related to COPD exacerbations, but was associated with self-reported respiratory health. Non-exacerbators were more likely to be edentate or have ≤4 teeth compared to exacerbators. Larger studies are needed to address oral health as a potential method to improve respiratory health in patients with COPD.

Incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Elderly Edentulous Patients and the Possible Correlation of Serum Serotonin and Apnea-Hypopnea Index.

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly edentulous patients (aged 60-65 years) and investigate a correlation of serum serotonin levels with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort-related arousal (RERA), and respiratory disturbance index (RDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 381 elderly completely edentulous patients (307 male, 74 female) aged 60 to 65 years with a history of edentulism of 12 to 15 months, seeking oral rehabilitation at the prosthodontic clinic at Saraswati Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow, India, between January 2014 and January 2016 were enrolled for the present study. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study, 183 patients (162 male, 21 female) who were found susceptible, were subjected to the BERLIN questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and then put through all-night polysomnography (PSG). On the basis of AHI, RERA, and RDI scores, 156 patients (143 male, 13 female) who tested positive for OSA were classified according to its intensity. All 156 patients underwent body-mass index (BMI) estimation, cephalometry, and intraoral examination for skeletal and soft tissue profile record. Serum serotonin was estimated from whole blood samples for the 156 OSA and the 27 normal patients. The 156 (147 nonobese, 9 obese) OSA-positive patients were provided with complete dentures and were trained to use the same as a modified mandibular advancement device (MAD) during sleep at night. These patients were kept on a quarterly follow-up for 9 months. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis, and inferences drawn. RESULTS: The incidence of OSA in elderly edentulous subjects was found to be 32.03% in males and 8.91% in females. A mere 9 out of 156 (5.76%) elderly edentulous OSA patients were found to be obese (Class I) on the basis of BMI estimation. Cephalometry of the patients showed that they had a skeletal class I maxillomandibular relationship. AHI scores of nonobese patients revealed that most of the patients had moderate OSA, followed by mild OSA and severe OSA. Serum serotonin levels ranged from 53 to 83 ng/dL. AHI score of the 9 obese patients were in the moderate to severe range, and their serum serotonin levels were 60 to 70 ng/dL. A correlation between severity of OSA and serum serotonin level was validated in this study. CONCLUSION: OSA was found to be prevalent in edentulous subjects due to pharyngeal collapse and decreased neuromuscular control. An inverse relationship of serum serotonin levels and AHI scores was established.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Edentulous Patients.

PURPOSE: To record the incidence of cognitive dysfunction in edentulous patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and establish a plausible hypothesis to explain the correlation of cognitive dysfunction and OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 315 edentulous patients (aged 60 to 65 years) visiting the outpatient department at Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow were recruited from January 2013 to October 2015. Prosthodontic Diagnostic Index (PDI) classification was used to assess the intraoral condition to relate it with the span of edentulousness. The BERLIN questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scales were used to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing, following which the patients were put through all-night polysomnography. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores were derived. Mild and moderate OSA patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe cognitive dysfunction based on SGRQ-C and SCD. Data were tabulated according to a new classification (Cognitive Dysfunction of Dental Sleep Medicine Patients [CDDSMP] Classification) designed specifically for this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS v15.0. Scores were tabulated as mean ± SD and median [IQR] values. Change from baseline was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Mean scores at different time intervals were 3.03 ± 1.76 (3 months), 2.98 ± 1.80 (6 months), and 2.81 ± 1.84 (9 months). The median [IQR] values of scores at all time intervals except 9 months were 3 [1 to 5]. At 9 months, median [IQR] was 2 [1 to 5]. A significant change in scores was observed in the 3-month interval (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of OSA and neurocognitive dysfunction could be directly related to the PDI classification and the span of edentulousness of the patient and modified mandibular advancement device treatment significantly improved the patients' condition, which was reflective from 3 months post-intervention itself.

Total tooth loss without denture wear is a risk indicator for difficulty eating among older adults with intellectual disabilities.

OBJECTIVES: This study tests whether total tooth loss is a risk indicator for difficulty eating among a population with intellectual disability and whether complete denture wear mediates this risk. METHODS: Dentate status and difficulty eating were reported for a Nationally representative sample of 690 adults over forty with intellectual disabilities as part of The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA). A logistic regression model tested the relationship between the Difficulty eating and Dentate status, controlling for the effects of other factors. RESULTS: Of the 690 participants, 505 had some teeth (Group 1), 56 had no teeth and reported wearing dentures (Group 2) and 129 had no teeth, not using dentures (Group 3). A parsimonious regression model was developed including all 406 cases with no missing data. Adjusting for the effects of other factors, it was found that, compared to Group 1, the odds of difficulty eating was twice as great (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.02-4.03) among people without teeth, not using dentures (Group 3). Conversely, edentulous participants who had dentures (Group 2) had far lower odds (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06-0.64) of reporting difficulty eating compared with Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: For adults with ID, total tooth loss was predictive of difficulty eating only when untreated. People with disabilities should be encouraged to maintain a functional dentition through preventive and conservative treatment. When adults with ID become edentulous, oral rehabilitation may reduce the risk of difficulty eating. Dental assessment should be undertaken if people with ID present with difficulty eating.

Chewing function, general health and the dentition of older Australian men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the associations between chewing function with oral health and certain general health characteristics, in a population of community-dwelling older Australian men. METHODS: Analysis of data obtained from a cross-sectional analysis of the 4th wave of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project cohort of 614 participants, 524 whom were dentate, aged 78 years and over. Their chewing capacity was assessed using three main indicators: capacity to chew eleven food items ranging from boiled eggs through to fresh carrots and nuts; discomfort when eating; and interruption of meals. Associations with chewing were tested for dentate vs edentate participants, numbers of teeth present, active dental disease and key general health conditions such as disabilities, comorbidities and cognitive status. Log binomial regression models adjusted for age, country of birth, income, education and marital status. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. RESULTS: Twenty-one per cent of participants could not eat hard foods, while 23.1% reported discomfort when eating, and 8.8% reported interrupted meals when eating. There was a threefold difference in the capacity of dentate men to chew firm meat over that of edentulous men (95% CI, 2.0-4.9); a 2.5 times greater likelihood of edentate men reporting discomfort when eating (95% CI: 1.5-4.3); and 1.9 times greater likelihood of edentate participants reporting having meals interrupted (95% CI: 1.4-2.6). Chewing/eating difficulties were associated with both dental status (number of teeth, active dental caries) and self-rated dental health. Fewer than 20 teeth and the presence of active coronal or root decay were associated with more discomfort when eating. General health conditions associated with chewing function included disability, physical activity, comorbidities, cognitive status and depression. Older men's self-rated oral health and general health perceptions were also associated with aspects of chewing function. Poorer self-reported oral health was associated with inability to eat hard foods (95% CI: 1.3-2.7) and with discomfort when eating (95% CI: 2.6-5.1), while poorer self-reported general health was associated with discomfort when eating (95% CI: 1.2-2.2). CONCLUSIONS: Falling rates of edentulism may lead to improved chewing and eating function in older men. Maintaining 20 or more natural teeth, and preventing active coronal and root caries should enhance chewing function and promote self-reported health and oral health. Lower capacity to chew hard foods and a higher reporting of discomfort when eating is associated with co-morbidity in older Australian men.

Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement in an edentulous patient: a case report with one year follow up.

BACKGROUND: Gingival enlargement due to calcium channel blockers is a common complaint reported by patients. It can be localized or generalized and can range from mild to severe, affecting patients appearance and function. Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement is noticed only in 10 % of patients and very few cases of Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement in an edentulous patient have been documented in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Here in, we report a case of gingival enlargement in a 70 year old hypertensive edentulous patient who was on low dose Nifedipine therapy. Patient wanted complete dentures. We planned to excise the overgrowth and followed up for 1 year. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine induced gingival enlargement noticed only in 10 % of patients. Hence, there is a need for physicians and dentist to make a coordinated treatment plan and practice care while prescribing these drugs which are associated with gingival overgrowth.

Evaluation of relationship between nutritional status and oral health related quality of life in complete denture wearers.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of malnutrition increases with old age, especially in developing countries like India, and it is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality, because of many factors out of which dentate status is one. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and determine the effect of nutritional status and dietary intake on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) of elderly edentulous complete denture-wearing patients and to know whether elderly complete denture wearers have a higher risk of malnutrition. The objective was to assess the need to include dietary and nutritional counseling during prosthodontic rehabilitation of elderly edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 elderly denture-wearing patients above 60 years of age from Nagpur, Maharashtra. Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used to assess nutritional status, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire was used to determine the OHRQOL of these patients. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data using SPSS version 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Among the assessed participants, nearly 95% of them had total scores of GOHAI between 12 and 57 which require "needed dental care." As per MNA, 10.5% had adequate nutrition, 70% were at risk of malnutrition, and remaining 19.5% of participants were malnourished. There was a significant correlation between GOHAI and MNA scores. CONCLUSION: Low nutritional status was associated with the poor OHRQOL among the elderly. A strong association was found between mean GOHAI and MNA scores and thereby nutritional status and OHRQOL. The use of conventional dentures increases the risk of malnutrition in the elderly due to inability to eat and chew food properly. Dietary analysis and counseling should be strictly incorporated into geriatric treatment planning during prosthetic rehabilitation.

Dental status in the Polish senior population and its correlates-Results of the national survey PolSenior.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess dental status of Polish seniors having and wearing dentures in relation to demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. BACKGROUND: Tooth loss is associated with deterioration of general health status. The epidemiological data on dental status in Poland, including Polish seniors, are fragmented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 4524 randomly selected participants, aged 65 years and over, representative for Polish seniors. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle factors and dental status were collected using standardised questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of partial and complete edentulism in the Polish senior population was estimated at 45.7% and 47.1%, respectively. Fourteen point four per cent (14.4%) of complete edentulous participants and 31.1% with partial edentulism (1-19 natural teeth) did not have dentures, and one-twelfth of respondents having dentures were not wearing them. The independent correlates of complete edentulism were: female sex, advanced age, rural dwelling, lower education level, physical work in the past, smoking and diabetes. Male sex, age 90+, rural dwelling, type of work, dependence in activities of daily living and partial edentulism were independent correlates of not having dentures and denture disuse. Lower than average personal income was only significant for not having dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Complete edentulism is frequent among older Poles and affects almost 50% of them. It is associated with female sex, age, rural dwelling, poor economic status, smoking and diabetes. Rural dwelling and dependence of daily living are significant correlates of not having dentures and denture disuse.

Decreased cognitive function is associated with dysphagia risk in nursing home older residents.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between cognitive function and dysphagia risk among Japanese nursing home residents. BACKGROUND: Reduction in cognitive function can influence the intake of food during swallowing, and may be an aggravating factor in dysphagia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 236 residents aged ≥60 years from eight nursing homes. Screening of dysphagia, especially aspiration risk, was conducted using the Modified Water Swallow Test, whose scores from one to three were classified as at risk of dysphagia. Cognitive function was evaluated using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Number of teeth and occlusal support were evaluated by clinical examination. The participants were stratified into dentulous and edentulous groups, because the number of teeth could influence swallowing function. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dysphagia risk based on the scores of MMSE were calculated using logistic regression. Demographic characteristics, activity of daily living, comorbidities, health behaviour and occlusal support were used as covariates. RESULTS: Among the 236 participants (111 dentulous participants and 125 edentulous participants) included in our analysis, 16.9% belonged to risk of dysphagia. Dentulous participants with higher scores of MMSE tended to have significantly lower odds of dysphagia risk after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80-0.96). Despite the lack of significant differences, edentulous participants with higher score of MMSE tended to have lower odds of dysphagia risk (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.83-1.00). CONCLUSION: Decreased cognitive function may be an independent predictor of dysphagia among dentulous and edentulous adults.

Influence of dental factors on oropharyngeal dysphagia among recipients of long-term care.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the association of the sociodemographic, behavioural variables and the oral conditions with the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in long-term care older persons. BACKGROUND: Due to the influence of ageing, swallowing may be altered both in people with natural teeth and in those who have dentures or tooth loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 115 individuals older than 60 years, living in long-term care institutions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul in 2016. The diagnosis of dysphagia happen using a clinical speech evaluation, based on the research of signals and symptoms of alterations during deglutition, and on an oral sensory-motor evaluation. The dental clinical evaluation examined the oral cavity, teeth and dental prostheses, including a Xerostomia assessment. Poisson Regressions with robust variance was calculated were used to estimate crude and adjusted Prevalence Ratios(PR) and their IC95%. RESULTS: The sample was mostly comprised of older women (67.0%), with more than 81 years of age (44.3%) and edentulous (54.3%). Diagnosis of oropharyngeal dysphagia was verified in 60.9% of the participants. In the final model, older persons who presented no pair (PR=1.52(CI95%=1.02-2.40)) had a highest prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia, when compared to older persons who presented 8 to 14 mixed pairs, as well as those older persons who had more complaints related to symptoms of Xerostomia (PR=2.86(CI95% 1.58-5.18)). CONCLUSION: Institutionalised older persons with a poor oral health condition are associated with a higher prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia, as well as with the presence of Xerostomia.