Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits may help older adults maintain a healthy weight, Brazilian and American researchers say.
A group that included representatives from Federal University of Pelotas (Brazil) and the National Institute on Aging followed more than 900 adults between the ages of 70 and 79 for four years. They focused on the relationship between tooth loss, chewing and changes in body weight.
The researchers found that 11.5% of individuals gained at least 5% of their body weight during the study period, noting that “people with fewer teeth or weaker chewing ability were more likely to gain weight.”
In a press release, the American Academy of Periodontology says that losing teeth can “limit food choices.” Someone with reduced chewing power might choose softer, “more calorie-dense” foods than healthier, fiber-rich options, for example.
The AAP recommends practicing good oral hygiene and take good care of your teeth and gums.
This “supports better nutrition, good habits and improved quality of life later in life,” AAP President Ana Becil Giglio said.
The study was published in the Journal of Periodontology.
