Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

14-Jan-2025

Arch Hellen Med, 42(1), January-February 2025, 84-91

ORIGINAL PAPER

Association between oral health status, nutrition intake and nutrition status among patients of Markopoulo Health Center

M. Katsirntaki,^1,2 T. Vassilakou¹
¹Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens,
²Health Center of Markopoulo, Markopoulo, Attica, Greece

OBJECTIVE Τo investigate the association between oral health, nutritional status and dietary choices of adult patients residing in Markopoulo area.

METHOD A total of 110 patients from the Markopoulo Health Center participated in this cross-sectional study and the data were collected through a clinical examination and a structured interview, after informed consent was provided by the participants. The clinical examination evaluated the number of natural teeth, the number of posterior occluding teeth contacts (POTCs) and the presence of removable dentures. During the structured interview, the data were collected using the Demographic-Social Status Questionnaire enriched with questions regarding smoking habits, dry mouth, and oral health self-assessment, as well as the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and the Mediterranean Nutrition Adherence Questionnaire (Mediterranean diet score, MedDietScore). The statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0.

RESULTS Participants' oral health improved at all ages compared to previous surveys, malnutrition risk rates remained high, malnutrition rates increased compared to previous studies, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was moderate. A significant correlation was found between the number of teeth or the presence of at least 20 teeth, as well as the probability of wearing removable dentures and age. Oral health self-assessment was significantly positively correlated with the number of teeth, the presence of at least 20 teeth, the number of POTCs, the presence of at least 5 POTCs and negatively with the malnutrition or risk of malnutrition. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with the number of POTCs. Furthermore, adherence to the MD was significantly higher in women and those with more POTCs.

CONCLUSIONS Oral health (POTCs) was significantly correlated with nutritional status (BMI) and dietary choices (MD). Oral health self-assessment is a useful tool for detecting the population's oral health problems and planning appropriate interventions.

Key words: Mediterranean diet, Nutritional status, Oral health, Posterior occlusal teeth contacts.