BACKGROUND: The relationship between tooth loss and nutritional intake is important. As people age, their diminished physical capacity and decreased income adversely affect their ability to maintain their teeth. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the chewing ability, oral health related quality of life and nutritional status before and after fabrication and insertion of complete denture amongst edentulous participants in a dental college.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non Randomized Intervention study. The study population consisted of 42 participants (16 females and 26 males), aged 50 years and above. Prior to commencement of the study, informed consent was obtained and validation and reliability test of the questionnaire were done. The data for chewing ability, GOHAI and nutritional status assessment was recorded at baseline, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after denture fabrication and insertion. The statistical comparisons were performed by repeated measure ANOVA and Chi-square test. P value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS: Chewing ability, GOHAI, BMI (Body Mass Index) and data from Food-intake questionnaire showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to 6th month but no statistically significant improvement was observed from 6th month to 12th month. Nutritive value of food (protein, energy and fat) showed no significant difference over a period of 12 months (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that the intervention (denture insertion) was effective in increasing the chewing ability, body weight, food-intake, and oral health related quality of life.

KEYWORDS: nutrition, edentulousness, OHQoL, GOHAI, chewing ability

 DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v24i3.9