Malnutrition and nutritional support for teeth.

Loss of appetite can cause malnutrition.
Patients undergoing treatment for cancers of the head and neck are at high risk for malnutrition. The cancer itself, poor diet before diagnosis and complications of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can produce a nutritional deficiency. Patients may lose the desire to eat because of nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, mouth sores or dry mouth. The quality of life and nutritional well-being of the patient suffers when eating causes discomfort and pain. The following information can help cancer patients to meet their nutritional needs:
     * Changing the texture of food. Serve foods cut, chopped and blended to reduce the amount of time they need to stay in the mouth before swallowing (be swallowed).
     * Eat snacks between meals to add calories and nutrients.
     * Choose foods high in calories and proteins.
     * Take supplements that provide vitamins, minerals and calories.