Nutrition Counseling Increases Fruit and Vegetable Intake in the Edentulous

Nutrition Counseling Increases Fruit and Vegetable Intake in the Edentulous
2006
J. Bradbury1, J.M. Thomason1, N.J.A. Jepson1, A.W.G. Walls1, P.F. Allen2, and P.J. Moynihan1,*
Journal of Dental Research

© 2006 International and American Associations for Dental Research

1 School of Dental Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BW, UK

* corresponding author, p.j.moynihan@ncl.ac.uk

Abstract

Edentulous denture-wearers eat fewer fruits and vegetables than do comparable dentate individuals. Improved chewing ability with new dentures has resulted in little dietary improvement, suggesting that dietary intervention is necessary. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to have a positive impact upon dietary behavior of patients receiving replacement complete dentures through a tailored dietary intervention. Readiness to change diet (Stage of Change), intake of fruits, vegetables, and nutrients, and chewing ability were assessed pre-and 6 weeks post-intervention. The intervention group (n = 30) received two dietary counseling sessions; the control group (n = 28) received current standard care. Perceived chewing ability significantly increased in both groups. There was significantly more movement from pre-action into action Stages of Change in the intervention group, who had a greater increase in fruit/vegetable consumption (+209 g/d) than did the control group (+26 g/d) (P = 0.001). Tailored dietary intervention contemporaneous with replacement dentures can positively change dietary behavior.

KEY WORDS: nutrition behavior Ô stage of change Ô nutrition Ô fruits and vegetables Ô prosthetic rehabilitation Ô randomized controlled trial

Complete article may be viewed online.