ObjectiveS: The potential mediating role of nutrition in the oral health-systemic disease relationship has increased interest in the relationship between nutrition and oral health. We investigated the relationship between tooth loss and nutrient intake in a group of nutritionally at-risk, homebound older adults living in an urban setting. MethodS: Older adults participating in home care programs were invited to receive free nutrition and oral health assessments. Demographic information, 3-day recalls, and oral assessments were performed by trained, calibrated researchers. ResultS: Mean age of subjects was 83.4 (SD 9.03), 82% were female, and over half (57%) were African-American. Mean number of teeth was 6.31 (SD 8.38). Almost 60% of subjects consumed > 30% of calories as fat and > 10% of calories as saturated fat. On the other hand, on average, subjects were substantially under the RDI for alpha-tocopherol, folate, and calcium. When adjusted for total calories consumed, individuals with fewer pairs of teeth consumed higher amounts of saturated fat (p=0.03). Individuals with fewer pairs of natural teeth also were more likely to consume inadequate amounts of Vitamin B12, and B6 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In frail, homebound older adults, decreasing pairs of teeth are associated with increased proportion of calories consumed from saturated fat and inadequate intakes of vitamins B12 and B6. These findings suggest that in a chronically ill older adult population, tooth loss contributes to increased nutritional risk and poor dietary quality. (Supported in part by NIH Grant K01 AG00691 “Nutritional Status in Frail Older Adults”)

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