CHEWING PROBLEM CODING

[RNRAI]

The MDS manual Section K1 page 3-149 "Oral Problems" says to "Code chewing problems even when interventions have been effectively introduced".  In the same paragraph it uses the example of lill fitting dentures.  These are similar instructions that have us coding swallowing problems with mechanically altered diets.   So are we to count people who have had dentures relined, use denture adhesives, and/or even residents who use dentures as having a chewing problem?   Is their an ICD-9 code for chewing problems and a diagnosis we should be seeking as with a swallow problem?