ORIGINAL ARTICLE COMPARISON OF CHEWING ABILITY, ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS BEFORE AND AFTER INSERTION OF COMPLETE DENTURE AMONGST EDENTULOUS PATIENTS IN A DENTAL COLLEGE OF PUNE

BACKGROUND: The relationship between tooth loss and nutritional intake is important. As people age, their diminished physical capacity and decreased income adversely affect their ability to maintain their teeth. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the chewing ability, oral health related quality of life and nutritional status before and after fabrication and insertion of complete denture amongst edentulous participants in a dental college. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non Randomized Intervention study. The study population consisted of 42 participants (16 females and 26 males), aged 50 years and above. Prior to commencement of the study, informed consent was obtained and validation and reliability test of the questionnaire were done. The data for chewing ability, GOHAI and nutritional status assessment was recorded at baseline, 3 rd, 6 t