Influence of lower complete denture use on masseter muscles and masticatory function: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Summary Background Edentulism can reduce mastication, leading to changes in food pattern, with possible consequences to masticatory muscle thickness. Objectives This study verified masticatory function and oral perception in subjects who did not use lower CDs, and whether the insertion of new upper and lower CDs would improve such variables. Methods Fifteen edentulous elderly who wore only the upper CD were selected and received new upper and lower CD. Volunteers were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months of new prosthesis use. Masticatory performance (MP) was assessed by the sieving method (X50 values). Masseter thickness (MT) was evaluated by ultrasonography. Oral sensorial ability (OSA) was assessed by oral stereognosis test and maximum tongue pressure (MTP) was verified by pressure sensors. Data were submitted to repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey‐Kramer posthoc tests (α = 0.05). Correlation between OSA and MTP was verified by Person's correlation. Results X50 and MTP decreased (P < 0.05) after 1 month and remained stable (P > 0.05) for next assessments. After 3 months, MT in rest position was increased (P < 0.05), while during maximum voluntary contraction 1 month was enough to increase MT (P < 0.05). There were no differences for OSA (P > 0.05) and no correlation between OSA and MTP. Conclusion Masticatory performance and masseter thickness of elderly who did not use the lower dentures were improved after 2 months using new upper and lower CDs. However, new CDs in both dental arch decreased MTP. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC #RBR‐37gdst).

Chewing ability and oral health‐related quality of life in frail elders after new complete dentures insertion: A paired controlled clinical trial

“…These findings are in agreement with prior studies reporting improved quality of life and mastication after CD replacement . Consistent with our subjective MA and OHRQoL results, the use of new well‐fitted CDs has been shown to provide better adaptation to tissues, which increases maximum bite force and promotes masseter muscle development …”

“…47,48 Consistent with our subjective MA and OHRQoL results, the use of new well-fitted CDs has been shown to provide better adaptation to tissues, which increases maximum bite force 49 and promotes masseter muscle development. 14 The present study provides evidence for the subjective advantages that prosthetic therapy can deliver to elderly people with and without FP. Masticatory function was just measured by subjective methods, since patient's self-perception precisely reflects the impact of oral rehabilitation in their daily routine, 23 and improves the comprehension of masticatory behavior considering the individual particularities and associated factors.…”

“…In this context, poor oral health has been found to be associated with increased risk of frailty . The masticatory function of edentulous elderly people can be impaired the lack of dental prostheses or use of misfitted ones due to insufficient bite force and ability to grind food . Thus, frailty is considered as an aggravating factor in the aging process, and its incidence is increased in edentulous patients …”

Does the institutionalization influence elderly’s quality of life? A systematic review and meta–analysis

“…Due to insufficient data, the meta-analysis did not include these two studies. Even though, the relevance of oral health conditions must be enhanced in further analysis, as the presence of teeth or prosthetic treatment improves self-steam and increase masticatory functions and, consequently, the elderly QoL [41][42][43].…”

Masticatory function in nursing home residents: Correlation with the nutritional status and oral health–related quality of life

“…The MMSE consists of 11 questions that evaluate the orientation, memory, attention and ability to name, follow verbal and written commands, write a sentence and copy a drawing, resulting in a final score (0‐30 points) 17 . Based on a previous study, 18,19 a cut‐off value of MMSE of 13 points was established to consider the elderly neurologically and cognitively able to answer the research questionnaires.…”