Dietary fiber intake and dental health status in urban-marginal, and rural communities in central Mexico
Borges-Yañez, S.A.; Maupomé, G.; Martinez-Gonzalez, M.; Cervantez-Turrubiante, L.; Gutiérrez-Robledo, L.M.
Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging 8(5): 333-339
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1279-7707 PMID: 15359348 Document Number: 577362
Introduction: Oral health status in older people is frequently poor which can contribute to inadequate dietary patterns and nutrition status. Objective: To investigate whether an association between the number of teeth present and dietary fibre intake exists in elderly people living independently, across different geographic and socioeconomic locations. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey was undertaken in three Mexican communities (urban, marginal urban, and rural), incorporating geographic and socio-demographic information and a 24-hour diet recall. Dental status (teeth present, coronal and root caries, and periodontal status) was determined by clinical examination. Data were analysed using ANOVA, Pearson's chi 2 and Tukey's range tests. Results: 407 persons 60 years old and over participated in the study. Subjects in the rural community had better dental/periodontal status and more teeth present than urban and marginal-urban participants. Intake of fibre was 8.4 g/day for the urban, 7.6 g/day for the marginal-urban, and 13.5 g/day for the rural community. While gender had no detectable effect, the location of residence and the number of teeth present were associated with mean fibre intake; having more than 21 teeth and/or living in a rural location were associated with increased mean fibre intake.