Abstract
While appropriate nutrient intake is important for older adults, various oral problems cause decreased masticatory function. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors associated with decreased masticatory performance in older adults. Oral examinations were performed on 80 participants (mean age: 75.10 ± 5.64 years) to determine the number of functional tooth units (FTUs). Symptoms of periodontal and temporomandibular diseases were evaluated via a questionnaire. The tone, elasticity, and dynamic stiffness of the masseter muscle were measured using the Myoton® PRO device. The mixing ability test was used to assess the masticatory performance, and the mixing ability index (MAI) was calculated. The analysis of covariance test was performed to adjust for confounding factors, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors affecting MAI. A lower MAI was significantly associated with higher tone (p = 0.006) and lower elasticity (p = 0.013). The number of FTUs (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.724, p = 0.029), tone (adjusted OR = 1.215, p = 0.016), and elasticity (adjusted OR = 4.789, p = 0.038) were independently associated with the MAI. Muscle function training and prosthetic treatments may help increase masticatory performance in older adults, which would improve overall health.
Highlights
With the advent of a super-aged society, interest in healthy aging is increasing
Previous studies have shown that decreased number of remaining teeth, occlusal force, salivary secretion rate, and pain in the oral and maxillofacial region in the elderly are associated with decreased chewing ability [3,4]
A higher number of remaining teeth (r = 0.270, p = 0.015) and functional tooth units (FTUs) (r = 0.404, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher mixing ability index (MAI), whereas lower scores of symptoms related to periodontal disease (r = −0.307, p = 0.006) and temporomandibular disease (TMD) (r = −0.283, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with a lower MAI
Summary
With the advent of a super-aged society, interest in healthy aging is increasing. Successful health management of older adults begins with a balanced intake of nutrients [1].this population experiences various oral problems, including tooth loss, leading to decreased masticatory function, which subsequently leads to nutritional imbalances accompanied by systemic diseases [2].There are numerous factors that affect masticatory function. Successful health management of older adults begins with a balanced intake of nutrients [1]. This population experiences various oral problems, including tooth loss, leading to decreased masticatory function, which subsequently leads to nutritional imbalances accompanied by systemic diseases [2]. Previous studies have shown that decreased number of remaining teeth, occlusal force, salivary secretion rate, and pain in the oral and maxillofacial region in the elderly are associated with decreased chewing ability [3,4]. The most significant factor affecting chewing ability is the number and distribution of remaining teeth [8]
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