Gerodontic nutrition and dietary counseling for prosthodontic patients.

The older dental patient can be at risk of poor nutrition for a variety of reasons including physiologic, oral, psychosocial, functional, and medical factors. Any decline in the ability to eat increases the risk of malnutrition. Oral impairments can affect diet and nutrition because of chances in the ability and desire to taste, bite, chew, and swallow foods. The dental team must be aware of these potential detrimental effects of dental treatment and provide counteractive dietary guidance. Problems vary with the patient and the dental condition, so suggestions must be tailored to meet the patient's specific needs. Caregivers should: Screen patients to determine whether there are risk factors that could compromise nutrition. Provide diet guidance to prepare patients for any changes in eating ability. Promote diet adequacy by suggesting appropriate choices from each food group in the Food Guide Pyramid. Consult with and refer clients to a registered dietitian whenever possible.