Combined Effects of Dietary Guidance and Prosthodontic Rehabilitation on Nutritional Biomarkers in Edentulous Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Previous studies have suggested that providing dietary guidance along with denture treatment may improve dietary diversity in edentulous patients; however, none have examined the effects on nutritional blood biomarkers. This study investigated the effects of individualized dietary guidance combined with complete denture treatment on nutritional blood biomarker levels, dietary intake, and masticatory function. Materials and methods This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, controlled trial. Patients seeking new dentures with at least one edentulous arch were randomly allocated to Group A (denture treatment only) or Group B (dietary guidance followed by denture treatment). Individualized dietary guidance was provided exclusively to Group B by dentists based on baseline assessments. Baseline and post-treatment assessments included blood tests, a dietary survey using the Brief-type Self-Administered Diet History Questionnaire (BDHQ), occlusal force measurements using pressure-sensitive film, and masticatory performance tests using gummy jelly. The results from the baseline and post-treatment assessments were compared within each group, and exploratory comparisons of changes were conducted between groups. Results A total of 39 individuals completed the protocol (20 in Group A and 19 in Group B; mean age 73.4 ± 10.6 years; 17 males, 22 females). Both groups showed a significant increase in occlusal force after treatment (<i>P</i> = 0.007 for Group A; <i>P</i> = 0.011 for Group B), while no improvement in blood biomarkers was observed. In Group B, the intake of fish with bones (<i>P</i> = 0.035) and non-oily fish (<i>P</i> = 0.030), as evaluated using the BDHQ, significantly increased after treatment. Group B also showed significantly greater increases than Group A in methionine (<i>P</i> = 0.012), lysine (<i>P</i> = 0.048), and total essential amino acids (<i>P</i> = 0.029), as evaluated by blood tests, as well as the intake of fish with bones (<i>P</i> = 0.043). Conclusion Although denture treatment may increase occlusal force, combining dietary guidance with prosthetic treatment appears to further enhance dietary habits and support the nutritional status of edentulous patients.