Background & aim: Combination of new complete denture fabrication and tailored dietary counseling is necessary to improve nutrient intake of the edentulous elderly. However, there is no evidence on the effect of simple dietary advice combined with new complete denture fabrication on the nutrient intake of the edentulous elderly. The aim of this study was to clarify the combined effect of new complete denture fabrication and simple dietary advice, using a uniform pamphlet, on the nutrient intake and masticatory function of edentulous elderly. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the nutrient intake and masticatory function between edentulous elderly patients provided with simple dietary advice and new complete dentures and those provided with new dentures alone.
Methods: A double-blind, randomized-controlled, parallel clinical trial was performed on the healthy edentulous elderly who were required to fabricate a new pair of complete denture. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, and each group received different advice: the intervention group received simple dietary advice using a uniform pamphlet, whereas the control group received denture care advice. During the process of new complete denture fabrication, two 20-min one-on-one advice sessions were conducted by a dentist. The primary outcome of this trial was protein intake, which was calculated from the responses in the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Secondary outcome was masticatory function, which was measured with a color-changeable chewing gum and a test gummy jelly. Outcome assessment was conducted twice, at baseline and at 3 months post-treatment.
Results: Among 70 participants who were randomized, 62 completed this trial. Protein intake in the intervention group significantly increased compared with that in the control group. Masticatory function was not significantly different between groups, but significantly increased at 3 months post-treatment compared with the baseline in both groups.
Conclusion: Simple dietary advice using a uniform pamphlet and a new complete denture fabrication increased nutrient intake and masticatory function of healthy edentulous elderly.
Clinical trial registration number: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000020716 UMIN000017879.
Keywords: BDHQ; Complete denture; Dietary advice; Edentulous; Masticatory function; Nutrient intake.
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