Subjective and Objective Assessment of Chewing Performance in Older Adults with Different Dental Occlusion

Abstract

Objectives: Satisfactory masticatory function is a significant indicator of improved oral health related quality of life in older adults, either with or artificial teeth. The purpose of this study was to examine masticatory performance of older adults with different prostho-dontic reconstructions and occlusion, as well as to compare subjective and objective as-sessment of chewing performance. Material and Methods: This study included 100 partici-pants aged 65 and more. The chewing function questionnaire (CFQ) with answers on the Likert scale 0 - 4 (0 = no difficulties; 4 = maximum difficulties) was used as an indicator of subjective masticatory assessment. The two-color chewing gum test was used as objective assessment of masticatory function (mixing ability), based on the Z-score values. Dental occlusion was assessed using functional teeth units (FTU). Results: The results ob-tained using the CFQ and the clinical mixing ability test are in compliance with each other (r = 0.742). A decrease in the number of natural teeth, especially posterior teeth, progres-sively reduced chewing ability and increased difficulties in mastication. Participants with less FTUs, or with FTUs that are a part of removable denture, had greater reduction in mas-ticatory function compared to those with FTUs composed of natural teeth or fixed partial dentures. Conclusion: This study revealed a strong positive correlation between the subjective masticatory assessment in older adults using the validated questionnaire and the objective clinical test of the mixing ability of two chewing gums. Our data on influence of the number and the type of FTU on masticatory performance will be valuable when plan-ning prosthodontic therapy.

Poor oral health and dementia risk under time‐varying confounding: A cohort study based on marginal structural models

“…22 Although the validity of each question of poor oral function that was used in the present study was not confirmed previously, previous studies reported the validity of similar questions for subjective chewing ability, subjective swallowing problems, and xerostomia, and they reflected clinical measurements. [23][24][25] In addition, a previous study reported that individuals who answered as having chewing difficulty in the question employed in the present study also had worsened objective chewing ability. 26 For each single-/two-/three-time-point exposure data point, each exposure was evaluated for 2010, 2010-2013, and 2010-2013-2016, respectively.…”

“…These questions were included in a validated questionnaire for screening frailty among older Japanese adults (Kihon checklist) 22 . Although the validity of each question of poor oral function that was used in the present study was not confirmed previously, previous studies reported the validity of similar questions for subjective chewing ability, subjective swallowing problems, and xerostomia, and they reflected clinical measurements 23–25 . In addition, a previous study reported that individuals who answered as having chewing difficulty in the question employed in the present study also had worsened objective chewing ability 26 .…”

Mandibular Overdenture Supported by Two or Four Unsplinted or Two Splinted Ti-Zr Mini-Implants: In Vitro Study of Peri-Implant and Edentulous Area Strains

“…The loading forces of 50, 100, and 150 N, respectively, were chosen based on reports of the minimum and maximum biting forces in individuals with conventional complete dentures, implant-supported ODs, and natural teeth [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ]. The forces used represent the average forces in subjects wearing implant ODs.…”

Synchronous Muscle Synergy Evaluation of Jaw Muscle Activities during Chewing at Different Speeds, a Preliminary Study

“…These may relate to differences in predominant chewing side, jaw geometry, teeth shape, oral status, and sensitivity to pain or food texture, such as rheological behavior, hardness, and adhesion, especially dentures. Furthermore, reducing the number of natural teeth, particularly posterior teeth, gradually diminishes chewing capacity and escalates challenges in mastication [ 55 ]. However, the results can be reproducible and stable over time.…”