In the DETERMINE checklist, which item directly addresses oral health?

• A. Tooth loss - mouth pain
• B. Reduced social contact
• C. Economic hardship
• D. Elder years above 80

Answer: (A)

Oral health is directly captured by the tooth loss item in this checklist. Losing teeth changes how a person can chew, which in turn shapes food choices and overall nutrient intake. When chewing is difficult or painful, hard or fibrous foods like certain fruits, vegetables, and proteins may be avoided, increasing the risk of inadequate nutrition and unintentional weight loss. The other factors presented—reduced social contact, economic hardship, and being in the older age group—affect nutrition through social, financial, or age-related pathways, but they do not directly measure oral health. So the tooth loss item is the one that most directly addresses oral health within this screening tool.