Warning over risk from dentures

Wearing dentures has been linked to a higher risk of musculoskeletal frailty, research has found.

A study by scientists at King’s College London found that over 50s with fewer than 20 of their own teeth are more likely to experience frailty in their joints and muscles.

Although the reason for this was not proven, they believe this is because denture wearers avoid eating certain foods and so are missing out on vital nutrients.

They said that although dentures improve masticatory function, their bite force is much weaker than that of natural teeth.

The team found that those with more than 20 teeth were significantly less likely to be frail and were also found to have consumed the greatest amount of nutrients over the study period.

The participants with fewer than 20 teeth and who did not use dentures - as well as those who did use dentures were found to have consumed the least amount of nutrients, when compared with the Recommended Dietary Intakes recommended by the US food and drug administration.

Researchers said their findings highlighted the important need for older people to be able to maintain the ability to not just chew, but to chew effectively, in order to take on board the essential nutrients necessary to maintain muscle mass and stave off musculoskeletal frailty.