Relationship of self-reported oral health and nutritional risk among hospitalized older adults.

Oral health and nutritional risk were assessed in 300 hospitalized older adults using self-reported instruments. Patients who self-reported poor oral health status were at greatest nutritional risk. Study results suggest that self reported oral health and nutritional risk are multidimensional and that screening instruments may help identify patients who could benefit from a dental referral. The combination of nutritional and oral health screening methods may be an efficient and cost-effective method for nondental health care providers to identify and refer older adults for oral health care.