Appetite, oral health and weight loss in community-dwelling older men: an observational study from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP).

This study found that number of natural teeth present and appetite are independently related to weight change among elderly men in Australia. Tooth loss can increase the risk of swallowing difficulty leading to change in food preference, avoidance of foods and a decrease in energy intake. Our study showed the importance of oral health interventions to encourage maintenance of 20 or more natural teeth in older people.