Low dietary diversity among older Japanese adults with impaired dentition

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship of dentition status, defined by the number of occluding pairs of natural teeth (OPNT) and removable denture fit, to food diversity among older Japanese adults. The study participants were 268 Japanese (mean age: 81.7 years) classified into four groups: (i) good dentition (n = 91; ≥5 OPNT), (ii) compromised dentition (n = 43; <5 OPNT), (iii) well-fitting dentures (n = 104; self-reported), and (iv) ill-fitting denture (n = 30; self-reported). Food diversity was assessed as a measure of dietary quality using the 11-item Food Diversity Score Kyoto (FDSK-11), which evaluates frequency of consumption of 11 main food groups (grains, potatoes, beans and soybean products, meat, fish and shellfish, eggs, milk and dairy products, vegetables, seaweed, nuts and fruits). Multivariable analysis of the differences in FDSK-11 score ranging from 0 to 11, with a higher score indicating greater food diversity, among the four groups was conducted using linear regression models with robust standard errors. The compromised dentition and self-perceived ill-fitting denture groups had significantly lower FDSK-11 scores than the good dentition group after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.05). A less-varied diet, as indicated by low FDSK-11 score, was observed in participants with fewer OPNT or ill-fitting dentures. Impaired dentition was associated with poor diet quality among older Japanese. Key words: Epidemiology, elderly, diet, dental health.