Orala hälsoproblem och ätsvårigheter hos äldre

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the oral health’s impact on eating among older people.Scientific articles were searched in PubMed, limited to articles published between 2000-2010,age 60 years and older. In total were 11 articles included in the study. The results showed that eating difficulties can be linked to impaired oral health, poormastication, partial tooth loss or edentulism, oral pain and discomfort, ill-fitting dentures anddry mouth. Elderly with impaired oral health change their eating habits and often refrain fromtough food items due to chewing and swallowing difficulties and fear of further damage tofragile teeth.  The conclusion of the study was that older people with poor oral status had a risk for eating difficulties. Replacement of missing teeth might play an important role in the maintenance ofan optimal chewing function.