Features of Masticatory Behaviors in Older Adults with Oral Hypofunction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Although many studies have shown the relationships between oral function and nutrition and health, few reports have investigated the masticatory behaviors of older people. This study aimed to clarify the relationships between oral function and the masticatory behaviors and features of masticatory behaviors with oral hypofunction. A total of 98 community-dwelling independent older adults participated. Seven oral conditions related to oral hypofunction were examined, and the masticatory behaviors when consuming a rice ball were measured. The participants were divided into two groups according to the criteria for oral hypofunction, and the masticatory behaviors were compared. Furthermore, the relationship between masticatory performance and the number of chews was investigated. The chewing rate of the oral hypofunction group was slower than that of the no oral hypofunction group, but there was no difference in the number of chews and chewing time. The decreased tongue–lip motor function group showed a slower chewing rate, and the decreased tongue pressure group showed a smaller number of chews and shorter chewing time. No significant correlation was observed between masticatory performance and behavior. In conclusion, older adults with oral hypofunction chewed slowly due to decreased dexterity, while, even if oral and masticatory function decreased, no compensatory increase in the number of chews was observed.

Decreased oral function in Japanese inpatients with schizophrenia

“…We obtained data regarding the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction, including occlusal force, tongue–lip motor function, tongue pressure, and masticatory function in 98 elderly controls (33 men and 65 women; mean age 74.8 [SD: 6.3] years) from a previous Japanese study. 14 We compared the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction between non‐elderly and elderly inpatients, non‐elderly inpatients and elderly controls, and elderly inpatients and elderly controls (Table 3 ). Reduced occlusal force was significantly more common in elderly inpatients (76.2%) than in non‐elderly inpatients (43.9%) and elderly controls (43.9%).…”

“…Of the 130 participants, 63 were not elderly persons (39 men and 24 women; mean age 52.4 [SD: 8.3] years) and 67 were elderly persons (40 men and 27 women; mean age 72.5 [SD: 5.2] years; Table 1). We obtained data regarding the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction, including occlusal force, tongue–lip motor function, tongue pressure, and masticatory function in 98 elderly controls (33 men and 65 women; mean age 74.8 [SD: 6.3] years) from a previous Japanese study 14 . We compared the frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction between non‐elderly and elderly inpatients, non‐elderly inpatients and elderly controls, and elderly inpatients and elderly controls (Table 3).…”

“…The participants were asked to bite the film as hard as they could for 3 s. 13 Decreased occlusal force was defined as that less than 500 N . 12 , 14 …”

“…The maximum occlusal force was measured using pressuresensitive film (Dental Prescale II, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The participants were asked to bite the film as hard as they could for 3 s. 13 Decreased occlusal force was defined as that less than 500 N. 12,14 Tongue-lip motor function was measured via an automatic measuring device (Kenko-kun Handy, Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd., Niigata, Japan). The participant was asked to repeat the syllable /pa/, /ta/, or /ka/ as fast as possible for 5 s. 15 A frequency of less than 30 (less than 6 times per second) for any these was considered to indicate decreased function.…”

“…11,18 The control participants were 98 community-dwelling independent individuals aged 65 years and older from a previous Japanese study. 14 For the control participants, we obtained data regarding the age, sex, and frequency of clinical signs of oral hypofunction, including occlusal force, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, and masticatory function.…”