Association between low potassium intake and the number of teeth in Korean adults: based on the national data (2013-2015)

Association between Chewing Difficulty and Dietary Ca, Vitamin D, and Mg Intake in Korean Older Adults: 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2020-2021)

Nutrition intake plays a pivotal role in chewing difficulty (CD). This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to explore the associations between CD and the dietary intake of calcium (Ca), vitamin D, and magnesium (Mg) in adults aged 65 and older, utilizing data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2020-2021). The chewing function was assessed using a 5-point scale questionnaire that inquired about discomfort experienced during mastication. "Very uncomfortable" and "uncomfortable," two of the five response options, were categorized as being indicative of CD. Dietary intake was assessed through 24 h dietary recall interviews, and nutrient calculations were based on the 10th revised edition of the Korean Food Composition Table. Data (N = 2942) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multi-logistic regression analyses in a composite sample plan file. Among the 2942 subjects, groups with insufficient daily nutrient intake had significantly higher odds ratios (ORs) for CD compared to their counterparts. In men, the ORs for Ca (1.56), Mg (1.75), and the combined intake of Mg (1.64) with Ca were elevated. In women, the ORs for Ca (1.74), Mg (1.53), and the combined intake of Mg (1.43) with Ca showed similar trends. After adjusting for age, family income, and family size variables, men's ORs for Mg (1.55) and the combined intake of Mg (1.55) with Ca remained elevated, while women's OR for Ca (1.58), Mg (1.42), and the combined intake of Mg (1.34) with Ca remained significant. Dietary vitamin D intake did not significantly impact the OR for CD. After adjusting for natural tooth numbers, self-perceived oral health, and obesity, no significant association was found between CD and these nutrients. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of promoting the recommended daily intake of magnesium alongside dietary calcium to address CD.

Association between Social Participation and Remaining Teeth and Urban-Rural Difference among Older Adults in China

Oral health is an important part of older adults' general health. The study examined the association between social participation (formal and informal) and remaining teeth and the urban-rural difference based on a national survey of older adults in China. The data of older adults were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and analyzed. A total of 11,948 respondents were ultimately involved, including 6836 urban respondents and 5112 rural respondents. Informal social participation and formal social participation were used to assess social participation. The number of remaining natural teeth was measured. Social participation was significantly associated with remaining teeth among older adults, after adjusting for confounders, a one-level increase in the informal social participation was associated with a decrease in natural teeth by 0.152 (95% CI = -0.274; -0.030) and a one-level increase in the formal social participation was associated with a decrease in natural teeth by 0.370 (95% CI = -0.585; -0.156). In addition, the association between social participation (formal and informal) and remaining teeth was observed among urban older adults, but not rural older adults. A high level of social participation may effectively decrease the risk of oral-health problems for the Chinese older adults. The findings suggest recommendations for an older adults-targeted policy and the practice of oral-health promotion. However, the urban-rural difference should be taken into full consideration in social-participation-driven oral-health promotion interventions.