Periodontal status is associated with oral function in community‐dwelling older adults, independent of dentition status

Abstract

To determine whether periodontal status is associated with oral function, including masticatory performance and occlusal force, among community-dwelling older adults. Although a potential association between periodontal status and oral function has been reported, variations in the root surface area (RSA) of each tooth have not been considered. We used data from a population-based study involving community-dwelling older adults. The RSA with periodontal ligament (RSA-PL), which quantifies the RSA attached to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, was calculated based on full-mouth periodontal examination. Masticatory performance was assessed using spectrophotometric measurement of the color (a* value) of color-changing chewing gum. The bilateral maximal occlusal force (MOF) was measured using a pressure-sensitive sheet and dedicated software. The associations of the RSA-PL, a quantitative marker of periodontal tissue support, with the a* value and MOF were assessed using linear regression models. The analyses included data from 250 adults [60.8% women; age, mean (standard deviation) 82.5 (5.0) years]. On average, the study participants had an RSA-PL of 26.3cm2 , a* value of 25.0, and an MOF value of 555.1N. After adjustments for potential confounders, including dentition status, age, sex, dental visit regularity, smoking status, physical activity level, depressive symptoms, a history of stroke or diabetes mellitus, and body mass index, the RSA-PL was found to be associated with the a* value [coefficient (per 1cm2 increase): 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.22)] and MOF (coefficient: 9.2, 95% CI 5.3-13.1). This study demonstrated that greater amounts of remaining tooth-supporting structures, indicated by higher RSA-PL values, were associated with better masticatory performance and a higher occlusal force among community-dwelling older adults.