Impact of nutritional guidance on oral and swallowing function and dietary diversity in regional dental clinics

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nutritional guidance on oral and swallowing function, dietary diversity, and body composition in older adults attending regional dental clinics. Basic research design: A cohort study was conducted following the STROBE guidelines. Clinical setting: A regional dental clinic in Japan. Participants: This study included 89 individuals aged 65 years and older (27 males and 62 females, mean age 77.3 ± 6.5 years). Main outcome measures: Seven oral function tests, number of functional teeth, Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), Dietary Variety Score (DVS), and body composition were assessed. The participants were categorized into three groups based on the DVS: low (0–3 points), middle (4–6 points), and high (7–10 points). The baseline and follow-up measurements were compared. Results: Significant improvements were observed in oral function tests, specifically in oral diadochokinesis (ODK)/ta/and swallowing ability (RSST), particularly in the low-DVS group. Nutritional guidance led to increased dietary diversity in all groups except the high-DVS group. Despite the improvements in dietary diversity, no significant changes in body composition were observed during the study period. Sex-specific differences were observed, with females showing greater improvements in ODK/ta/ and DVS, whereas males showed significant improvements in RSST. Conclusions: Nutritional guidance, particularly for patients with a low baseline DVS, may help improve oral function and dietary diversity. Sex-specific approaches can improve nutritional, oral, and swallowing functions.