Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Completely Edentulous Patients Before and After Denture Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

Complete tooth loss creates notable obstacles to the nutritional status and well-being for individuals with complete edentulism, particularly in older individuals. This narrative review examines the available evidence about nutrition following complete edentulism, certain nutritional variables following denture rehabilitation, indicators of nutritional adequacy, redundancy, etc. It is well established that, due to edentulism, individuals tend to eat less and like certain food options and categories, and deficiencies in nutrient intake are common. Conventionally and from a rehabilitation protocol standpoint - whether full or partial edentulous patients, fixed and rigid, and/or implant-supported prostheses present restorative masticatory function and better nutritional input. The authors also review dietary counseling. Dietary counseling is used in conjunction with removable prosthetic options where outcomes improve the ability to suitably intake nutrients and optimize the denture's intended directed. The long-term consideration of possible systemic health and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) outcomes are discussed as well. The complexity with nutrition to health and the health to well-being demonstrated the multifaceted relationship between oral health and overall nutrition. The perspective indicates that an approach to care needs to be comprehensive and involve other members of the patient team's respective health disciplines with regard to managing the edentulous patient.