The relationship between salivary flow rate, oral health and malnutrition in elderly; a cross-sectional study

Authors : Gizem Akkurnaz, Gamze Yurtdaş Depboylu, Gülşah Kaner

Pages : 105-115

Doi:10.31362/patd.1365966

View : 79 | Download : 148

Publication Date : 2024-01-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the association between salivary flow rate (SFR), oral health and nutritional status in the elderly. Materials and methods: The study included 63 elderly people (20 men, 43 women, age: 70.83±6.42 years) who applied to a private dental clinic. Data were collected by face-to-face interview, and participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, employment status information and lifestyle habits were recorded in the questionnaire. To determine nutritional status, 3-day food consumption records were taken, the Mini Nutritional Assessment Test (MNA) was performed and anthropometric parameters were measured. To assess oral health, the decayed teeth (DMFT) index and oral health impact scale (OHIP-14) were used, and unstimulated SFR was measured. Results: According to MNA, 23.8% of the elderly were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The mean SFR of the elderly was 0.40±0.31 mL/min and 15.9% of them had low SFR. The mean SFR of the elderly with normal body weight was higher than that of the obese (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between SFR and Body Mass Indexs (r=-0.291, p=0.021), calf circumference (r=-0.260, p=0.014), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (r=-0.254, p=0.044) and body fat percentage (r=-0.308, p=0.014), and a negative correlation between energy (r=0.345, p=0.006), carbohydrate (r=0.251, p=0.047), protein (r=0.326, p=0.009), fat (r=0.354, p=0.006) and phosphorus (r=0.287, p=0.023) intake. Conclusion: No significant evidence was found regarding to a direct association between SFR, DMFT index, and OHIP-14 scores with malnutrition. However, an assaciation was found between low SFR and obesity. This suggests that there might be a potential link between SFR and nutritional status, which requires further investigation. To gain a better understanding of the relationship between SFR and malnutrition in the elderly, it is recommended to conduct multicenter clinical trials.
Keywords : Yaşlı, tükürük akış hızı, ağız sağlığı, malnütrisyon