The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between malnutrition
and oral health in older people (≥ 60 years of age). A comprehensive systematic literature search
was performed in four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and Embase)
for literature from January 2000 to May 2020. Both observational and intervention studies
were screened for eligibility. Two reviewers independently screened the search results to identify
potential eligible studies, and assessed the methodological quality of the full-text studies. A total of
3240 potential studies were identified. After judgement for relevance, 10 studies (cross-sectional (n
= 9), prospective cohort (n = 1)) met the inclusion criteria. Three studies described malnourished
participants as having fewer teeth, or functional (tooth) units (FTUs), compared to well-nourished
participants. Four studies reported soft tissue problems in malnourished participants, including red
tongue with blisters, and dry or cracked lips. Subjective oral health was the topic in six studies, with
poorer oral health and negative self-perception of oral health in malnourished elderly participants.
There are associations between (at risk of) malnutrition and oral health in older people, categorized
in hard and soft tissue conditions of the mouth, and subjective oral health. Future research should
be focused on longitudinal cohort studies with proper determination of malnutrition and oral health
assessments, in order to evaluate the actual association between malnutrition and oral health in
older people.
