Influence of mastication and its relationship with Body Mass Index before and after prosthetic rehabilitation in partially edentulous patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of prosthetic rehabilitation is to enhance the masticatory function by replacing the missing teeth with an artificial substitute, which improves nutrient-rich food intake. There are recent studies which indicate the influence of chewing behavior and energy intake, but little is known about the relationship between chewing on nutritional status. OBJECTIVE: This study intended to assess the changes in masticatory efficiency before and after prosthetic rehabilitation and its influence on nutritional status and body weight. METHODS: A total of 40 partially edentulous subjects aged between 45- 65 years were recruited. Body Mass Index was determined by measuring body weight using a medical grade weighing scale. Height was measured using wall mounted stature meter and Waist circumference was measured with an anthropometric measure tape. Masticatory efficiency was determined using the sieve method with peanuts as test food at baseline, at 3 and 6 months of prosthetic rehabilitation with a removable partial denture. RESULTS: Sieve test performed for evaluating masticatory efficiency showed an increase in the percentage of smaller particles by 28.3% in non-obese and 32.15% in the obese group. The obese/overweight group showed a decrease in BMI values and non-obese subjects showed no significant change in BMI.