The nutritional effects of tooth loss.

In view of the high prevalence of edentulousness in developed countries, the evidence is reviewed for the effects of tooth loss on nutrition and health in the following categories of effects: mortality; food choice and nutrient intake; gastrointestinal irritation; digestion and nutrient absorption; nutritional status. The evidence indicates reduced consumption of meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables, and total energy resulting in lower Hb and vitamin C levels, increased gastrointestinal irritation and increased mortality from choking but no striking differences in digestion or nutritional status. However, most studies are not carefully controlled for other social and health factors.