Wearing Complete Dentures Impairs Eating-Related Quality of Life: Study Calls for Enhanced Support for Patients

"ERQoL is negatively impacted by using complete dentures due to functional limitations, limited food choices, and the need for adaptive eating behaviors. Enhanced patient support is essential to help individuals with complete dentures manage their dietary needs effectively," the researchers wrote in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

Wearing complete dentures in one or both arches can significantly affect the enjoyment of eating and overall quality of life compared to having natural teeth. While clinicians often concentrate on ensuring dentures are technically well-made, they may overlook the impact that dentures have on eating-related quality of life, which plays a crucial role in the overall success of the treatment.

In this context, Melissa Chu, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, and colleagues aimed to qualitatively examine ERQoL among Australian adults who wear complete dentures, utilizing a validated questionnaire and conducting focus group discussions.

For this purpose, the researchers recruited 44 complete denture wearers from dental clinics and asked them to complete the self-administered Emotional and Social Issues Related to Eating questionnaire. The responses were categorized according to the six domains of the questionnaire. Additionally, a subsample of 20 participants who completed the questionnaire was invited to join focus groups to further explore and identify emerging themes.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• Twenty-three participants completed the questionnaire.
• Most participants expressed a decline in enjoyment of eating due to reduced ability to eat, longer chewing times, and the need to frequently clean dentures while eating.
• Focus groups (n = 2 × 4 participants) indicated educational materials on eating with dentures would increase recognition of eating problems with dentures and reduce trial and error approaches to dealing with these.

In conclusion, the qualitative study has highlighted that wearing complete dentures requires individuals to adopt adaptive eating behaviors. Consequently, there is a need for professional guidance to support healthy eating among denture wearers as a key component of denture management. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to provide the most comprehensive support.

"Structured advice and continuous support are essential for the success of denture treatment and ensuring patient satisfaction," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Chu, M., R. Ibrahim, M. B., Moores, C. J., & Moynihan, P. (2024). The impact of wearing complete denture in one or both arches, on eating-related quality of life and patients' perceived need for advice to support eating well: Results from a qualitative study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 51(10), 1956-1965. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13775