Abstract
Mastication plays a primary role in the process of eating. Hence, compromised masticatory ability may affect the nutrition and quality of life, which are particularly important concerns among older individuals. It remains unclear how is the masticatory ability assessed regarding the nutritional status. We examined the effect of various oral factors on three masticatory ability tests conducted among older individuals. A total of 100 older individuals were enrolled in this study. Body mass index (BMI) as an indicator of nutritional status; and age, sex, and the number of occlusal and molar occlusal supports as clinical attributes were recorded. Three masticatory ability tests (masticatory efficiency, masticatory score, and satisfaction with mastication) were conducted, and tongue pressure, cheek pressure, and occlusal force were assessed as oral functions. A significant but weak correlation was found between masticatory efficiency and the masticatory score, but not between masticatory efficiency and satisfaction score. Objective masticatory efficiency was strongly associated with objective oral factors, whereas subjective assessments of masticatory ability (masticatory score and satisfaction score) were not. Furthermore, BMI was significantly associated with subjective assessments of masticatory ability but not with objective masticatory efficiency. Both subjective and objective assessments of masticatory ability, along with considerations of nutritional formulations, are required for the maintenance and improvement of nutritional status in older individuals.
Highlights
Individuals who are overweight and obese are at an increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, and there is a direct relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality [1,2,3]
In our own clinical observations, we have found that patients may be subjectively satisfied with their masticatory ability despite having
Body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly associated with the two subjective assessments of masticatory ability, but not the objective masticatory efficiency test and other oral factors
Summary
Individuals who are overweight and obese are at an increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, and there is a direct relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality [1,2,3]. Undernutrition, as indicated by a low BMI, is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality; this is of particular concern among frail older adults [4,5]. Impaired masticatory ability may cause difficulties in eating, which in turn can affect the quality of life, increase the risk of undernutrition, and lead to the need for nursing care [6,7,8]. It remains unclear how masticatory ability affects the nutritional status. In our own clinical observations, we have found that patients may be subjectively satisfied with their masticatory ability despite having
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