Masticatory Capacity Research Articles

Four-year assessment of masticatory function in mandibular overdenture wearers: A randomised clinical trial comparing two to four implants to retain the prosthesis.

Limited data exist on the mid- to long-term masticatory capacity of mandibular overdenture (IOD) wearers, particularly regarding the use of posterior implants to retention. To periodically evaluate mastication of IOD wearers, comparing the effectiveness of two to four implants to retain the prosthesis. In a randomised controlled clinical trial, 20 complete edentulous patients (14 women), aged 51-84 years (mean age 69.1 ± 9.6), received new bimaxillary complete dentures (CD). After adaptation, baseline measurements of masticatory performance (X50) and swallowing threshold were conducted using the sieving method. Patients were then randomly assigned to groups: control (two intra-foraminal regular implants) and experimental (two intra-foraminal regular implants and two extra-short posterior implants) (n = 10 each). After 4 months, implants were splinted, and a new mandibular IOD was fabricated with bar/clip retention. Mastication was reassessed after 6, 12, and 48 months, and data analysed with repeated measures ANOVA and Sidak's post hoc (α = 0.05). Despite a loss of two patients per group, masticatory performance significantly improved after mandibular IOD installation (p = .031) in both groups (p = .670). A second improvement was observed after 6 months (p = .027), with no subsequent changes (p > .05). Swallowing threshold improvements were noted with IOD, and no discernible differences between groups were observed (p > .05). Masticatory function significantly improved after mandibular IOD installation, with the number of implants demonstrating minimal influence. The present study was not registered in a public database, as mandated. It is important to note that the recommendation for registration was initiated in 2017 by the Committee of Medical Journal Editors, while patient inclusion in the research took place in 2016. Given that the data presented in this manuscript cover a follow-up period of up to 4 years post-surgical intervention, delayed registration was not feasible.

Recalled body silhouette trajectories over the lifespan and oral conditions in adulthood: A cross-sectional analysis of the Paris Prospective Study 3.

To examine the association between life-course body silhouette changes and oral conditions in adulthood. At study recruitment (2008-2012), 5430 adults underwent a full-mouth clinical examination and recalled their body silhouettes at ages 8, 15, 25, 35 and 45. Life-course trajectories of body silhouettes were computed using group-based trajectory modelling. Gingival inflammation, dental plaque, masticatory units, numbers of healthy, missing, decayed and filled teeth at study recruitment were clustered. The associations between body silhouette trajectories and clusters of oral conditions were assessed by multinomial logistic regression. The final analysis included 4472 participants. Five body silhouette trajectories were established: lean-stable (30.0%), lean-increased (19.3%), moderate stable (18.1%), lean-marked increased (25.8%) and heavy stable (6.7%). Three clusters of oral conditions were identified: optimal oral health and preserved masticatory capacity (70.0%, cluster 1), moderate oral health and moderately impaired masticatory capacity (25.4%, cluster 2) and poor oral health and severely impaired masticatory capacity (4.7%, cluster 3). Participants with a lean-increased trajectory were 58% more likely than those with a lean-stable trajectory to be in cluster 3 (aOR 1.58 [95% CI 1.07; 2.35]) relative to cluster 1, independently of covariates measured at study recruitment and including age, sex, smoking, socioeconomic status, BMI, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides. A life-course lean-increased body silhouette trajectory is associated with higher likelihood of poor oral health and severely impaired masticatory capacity in adulthood.

The effect of prosthetic rehabilitation with or without dietary advice on nutritional status in elderly patients: a systematic review.

Elderly people frequently report tooth loss, affecting their nutritional status. There is a gap in the scientific evidence about the influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation on nutritional status. To investigate the influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation combinates or not with dietary advice on nutritional status in elderly patients. A systematic literature search was conducted in three electronic databases to identify randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of prosthetic rehabilitation on nutritional status in subjects aged 60years or older, with a follow-up of at least 1month after prosthesis rehabilitation. Of the 1517 articles identified in the initial search, 12 were selected for the final review. No significant difference between the types of prosthesis were found regarding the chewing by the elderly population. Although patients who received prosthetic treatment had significant improvement in chewing ability, a consistent pattern of improvement in nutritional status was not observed when they did not receive dietary advice. In addition, the association between the condition of the dentition, the masticatory performance and nutritional change of elderly patients has been found. Studies that evaluated simultaneous complete denture treatment and simple dietary advice showed an improvement of nutrient intake in elderly patients. Isolated prosthetic rehabilitation may not have the effect of exerting a change in nutritional status of edentulous elderly patients. In general, simultaneous dietary consulting and prosthetic treatment in combination may improve dietary habits, since masticatory capacity and efficiency are not the only factors that influence the nutritional status of a patient.

Postoperative Recovery after TMJ Arthroscopy: Masticatory Improvement and Postoperative Diet

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy has become popular due to its satisfactory long-term results and few surgical complications. However, patients’ postoperative recovery is poorly studied. This study evaluates the postoperative evolution of the masticatory function and the daily activities of patients who have undergone TMJ arthroscopy. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a Portuguese orofacial pain center with patients fulfilling the criteria for TMJ arthroscopy. For the first 30 days (D) after surgery, every 3 days, patients scored: (1) discomfort in the mastication of different food textures (soft, medium, hard); (2) time for a return to normal lifestyle (work, physical activities); and (3) TMJ pain during essential functions (mastication, speech, deglutition, deep breaths). The data were compared with preoperative results using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and the Friedman test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were assessed for eligibility; fifteen did not meet the inclusion criteria, and five declined participation. Twenty-two patients initially started the study, but two canceled on days 6–18, and eleven patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Nine female patients with sixteen operated joints completed the study. A progressive tolerance for scaling food textures was observed. Soft and medium textures were tolerated after D15 and D21, respectively. The hard texture was not well tolerated in the 30 days after surgery. Discomfort returning to work and practicing physical exercise was significantly reduced on D15 and D21, respectively. In addition, significant improvements in TMJ pain during mastication and speech were observed over time. Conclusions: Despite the study’s limitations, namely the small sample size, the non-validated questionnaire, and the non-biomechanical analysis of food texture, it was possible to observe after TMJ arthroscopy an early return to masticatory capacity with the progressive introduction of different food textures. The authors expect these results will help in future postoperative guidelines regarding postoperative recovery from TMJ arthroscopy.

Gengivites em bezerros: perfis longitudinais hematológicos, metabólicos e capacidade tamponante salivar em animais tratados com virginiamicina

ABSTRACT: Gingivitis is an infectious inflammatory process that generates local and systemic conditions, compromising the masticatory capacity of animals. Virginiamycin controls and prevents gingivitis and necrotizing gingivitis in cattle. However, the interaction and effect with different sera and salivary elements remain unknown. The present 6-month longitudinal study evaluated the hematological, metabolic, and salivary buffering capacity profiles of calves with gingivitis treated with virginiamycin. Ten calves were divided into two groups: control and virginiamycin (n = 5 each). Calves in the virginiamycin group had a lower occurrence of gingivitis (P < 0.01, Student’s t-test). The animals that developed gingivitis in both experimental groups had higher salivary levels of alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.01915) and lower serum levels of albumin (P = 0.0028). Additionally, animals receiving virginiamycin had higher serum levels of magnesium (P = 0.008), albumin (P = 0.0008), urea (P = 0.008), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.008), total proteins (P = 0.008), and plasma protein (P = 0.018). Salivary buffering capacity was negatively correlated with salivary variables such as calcium, magnesium, albumin, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase and serum variables such as albumin and aspartate aminotransferase. Results of the present study suggested that the occurrence of periodontopathies in episodes is reflected in the local and systemic alterations in animals. In this context, clinical periodontal monitoring also showed the benefits of virginiamycin supplementation on gingival conditions and systemic health markers, in addition to controlling the two precursor forms of periodontitis.

Impact of the extension of the anterior-posterior spread on quality of life and satisfaction of patients treated with implant-retained mandibular overdentures - a randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesTo compare the degree of satisfaction (SD) and the impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of edentulous patients treated with conventional complete dentures (CCDs) and mandibular overdentures (IODs) with a short anteroposterior spread (S-APS) or a large antero-posterior spread (L-APS). Materials and methodsEdentulous patients were treated with CCDs and subsequently randomly allocated to receive a bar clip mandibular overdenture retained by 2 interforaminal implants (Control) or 4 (Test: 2 additional implants distal to the mental foramen). The Oral Health Impact Profile Edent questionnaire (OHIP-20E) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were applied at a mean follow-up of 38.5 months to assess the impact on OHRQoL and DS, respectively. Comparisons between the type of prosthesis and the extension of the AP spread were made with Student's t test for paired samples and for independent samples, respectively, at a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe IODs had significantly lower OHRQoL values ​​in the dimensions “functional limitation” (p=0.03), “physical pain” (p=0.02), “psychological discomfort” (p<0.01), “disability physical” (p<0.01) and “general score” (p<0.01) (n=20 patients). The IODs presented DS values ​​significantly for “aesthetics” (p=0.04), “stability” (p=0.03), “masticatory capacity” (p<0.01), “function” (p<0.01) and "oral condition" (p=0.03). The S-APS group (control) resulted in significantly lower values ​​in the dimensions “physical pain” (p<0.01) and “general score” (p<0.01) and no domain with statistical difference in the VAS scale. ConclusionsIODs significantly improved OHRQoL and DS. The increase in AP spread did not result in benefits for the patient's OHRQOL and DS in this clinical study. (Study Protocol Number: 1.452.492) Clinical SignificanceImplantology has experienced in the last 20 years a permanent evolution that aim at increasing predictability and improving long-term clinical performance. Placement of short implants distally to the mental foramen, for instance, and the resulting increase of the anterior-posterior spread, is a promising approach and is worthy of investigation.

Converting Bilateral Free-End Removable Partial Dentures to Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures Using 6 mm Short Implants: Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Prospective Clinical Study.

The study assessed oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients who received two 6 mm short implants in mandibular molar sites, converting existing bilateral free-end removable partial dentures (RPDs) to implant-assisted RPDs (IARPDs). After a postsurgical healing period of 4 months, the participants received a non-retentive dome abutment for 8 weeks, and then a retentive ball abutment for another 8 weeks. Afterwards, the participants made their final choice on which abutment to keep. The final follow-up was 1 year after implant placement. OHRQoL was evaluated with the 49-items version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) at the abutment exchanges and the final follow-up. Furthermore, numerical rating scales were used to analyze patient satisfaction after 1 year. Questionnaire data of 13 participants were evaluated. Overall, OHRQoL increased with both the dome (p = 0.02) and the ball abutments (p < 0.001), without a significant difference between the abutments (p = 0.953). The questionnaires revealed an improvement in terms of oral situation, quality of life, and masticatory capacity (all p < 0.01). Patients showed a significant preference for the ball abutments (p < 0.001). Converting RPDs to IARPDs resulted in significant improvement of OHRQoL. Patients seem to prefer retentive over non-retentive abutments, although no differences in terms of OHRQoL were observed.

Oral Condition and Incident Coronary Heart Disease: A Clustering Analysis

Poor oral health has been linked to coronary heart disease (CHD). Clustering clinical oral conditions routinely recorded in adults may identify their CHD risk profile. Participants from the Paris Prospective Study 3 received, between 2008 and 2012, a baseline routine full-mouth clinical examination and an extensive physical examination and were thereafter followed up every 2 y until September 2020. Three axes defined oral health conditions: 1) healthy, missing, filled, and decayed teeth; 2) masticatory capacity denoted by functional masticatory units; and 3) gingival inflammation and dental plaque. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models and adjusted for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, education, deprivation (EPICES score; Evaluation of Deprivation and Inequalities in Health Examination Centres), hypertension, type 2 diabetes, LDL and HDL serum cholesterol (low- and high-density lipoprotein), triglycerides, lipid-lowering medications, NT-proBNP and IL-6 serum level. A sample of 5,294 participants (age, 50 to 75 y; 37.10% women) were included in the study. Cluster analysis identified 3,688 (69.66%) participants with optimal oral health and preserved masticatory capacity (cluster 1), 1,356 (25.61%) with moderate oral health and moderately impaired masticatory capacity (cluster 2), and 250 (4.72%) with poor oral health and severely impaired masticatory capacity (cluster 3). After a median follow-up of 8.32 y (interquartile range, 8.00 to 10.05), 128 nonfatal incident CHD events occurred. As compared with cluster 1, the risk of CHD progressively increased from cluster 2 (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.15) to cluster 3 (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.57; P < 0.05 for trend). To conclude, middle-aged individuals with poor oral health and severely impaired masticatory capacity have more than twice the risk of incident CHD than those with optimal oral health and preserved masticatory capacity (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00741728).

Assessment of Swallowing Disorders, Nutritional and Hydration Status, and Oral Hygiene in Students with Severe Neurological Disabilities Including Cerebral Palsy.

Background: Special needs schools (SNS) educate children and young people with major neurological disabilities who are at high risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition (MN). We aimed to assess the prevalence of OD, MN, dehydration (DH), and oral health (OH) in students at an SNS. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at SNS L’Arboç, Catalonia, Spain. We assessed (a) demographics, health status, comorbidities, and gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), (b) swallowing function, oral-motor evaluation, masticatory capacity, and EDACS classification for eating and drinking abilities, (c) nutritional and DH status (anthropometry, bioimpedance and dietary records), and (d) OH (Oral Hygiene Index Simplified). Results: A total of 33 students (mean age 13.3 years; 39.4% level V of GMFCS) were included. Main diagnosis was cerebral palsy at 57.6%. All students presented OD, 90.6% had impaired safety, 68.7% were at levels II–III of EDACS, and 31.3% required PEG; furthermore, 89.3% had chronic MN, 21.4% had acute MN, 70% presented intracellular DH, and 83.9% presented impaired OH. Conclusion: MN, DH, OD, and poor OH are highly prevalent conditions in students with cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities and must be specifically managed through nutritional and educational strategies. The multidisciplinary team at SNS should include healthcare professionals specifically trained in these conditions.

Satisfaction of users of full dentures with adhesive: A systematic review of the literature

Objective: To review the literature systematically in relation to the effectiveness of the adhesive for dental prostheses presented in terms of patient satisfaction and to evaluate the differences regarding the use or not of them. Methodology: A search was carried out in the databases PubMed / MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science according to the criteria of Preferred Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The PICO question was used to address the following specific question: "Patients who use adhesives on full denture satisfaction?". Results: Sixteen studies with a total of 1133 patients with age average of 67 years were included; in relation to masticatory capacity, improvement was found in feeding, increased vertical movement in the mandible and less intrusion of the prosthesis. As for satisfaction, studies have shown greater comfort, improvement in social, psychological, quality of life and oral health and self-confidence. No serious side effects have been reported and only oral adverse events have been coded. Conclusion: Although adhesives for dental prostheses do not improve their function, that is, they are not capable of problems related to anatomy or errors in the manufacture of the prosthesis, they affect as subjective evaluations of patients. The use of adhesives for prolonged complete dentures increases their retention and stability and positively affects the patient's satisfaction with regard to masticatory capacity, comfort and confidence, provided the recovery is adequate.

Poor Masticatory Capacity and Blood Biomarkers of Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Community: The Paris Prospective Study III.

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Masticatory coefficient and physical functioning in older frail patients admitted for a Comprehensive Gerontological Assessment

Background: Physical functioning may be limited in older, frail patients with missing teeth without prosthetic correction. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between physical performance and the geriatric masticatory coefficient (GMC) in patients who underwent both a comprehensive gerontological assessment (CGA) to improve poly-pathology management and an intra-oral exam. Methods: All patients were evaluated based on the following: (corrected) GMC, number of posterior occluding pairs (POPs), short physical performance battery (SPPB) or timed up and go (TUG) test, and mini-nutritional assessment (MNA). Results: Of the 256 patients (mean age 83.76[SD 6.16], 148F), 75 (29.30%) were malnourished. The corrected GMC was lower in malnourished patients. When adjusted for age, gender, and MNA, the corrected GMC correlated with the TUG time (r=-0.198, p=0.005) and SPPB score (r=0.282, p=0.009). Correlations between GMC and POPs were determined for the SPPB (r=0.269, p=0.013; r=0.319, p=0.004, respectively) but not for the TUG (r=-0.108, p=0.128; r=-0.136, p=0.072). Conclusion: The correlation between physical performance and decreased masticatory capacity was not fully explained by malnutrition in mildly to severely frail and multi-morbid patients; posture may also be impaired by missing teeth. The study of dental care effects on physical performance will provide further insights.

Metabolic syndrome and masticatory hypofunction: a cross-sectional study

The objective of this paper is to clarify the rate of abdominal obesity (AO), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), metabolic syndrome (MetS) and determine the relationship with the masticatory capacity (MC) in terms of total functional tooth units (t-FTU) in a representative sample of older Spanish adults. This cross-sectional study included 544 adult subjects aged 50 or over, who were prospectively selected and who had participated in a survey conducted in a primary dental care service in a Public Oral Health Service in Spain. Anthropometric, clinical variables and t-FTUs were obtained through a calibrated and well-established protocol. Univariate and multivariate binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were developed. With regards to the t-FTU or MC, it was poor in 60.3%, good in 17.6%, and complete in 22.1% of the sample. The univariate odss ratio (OR) for MetS and AO increased as the MC decreased and as the age group increased. With regards to gender, women presented with an OR of 5.56 (CI 95% 3.70-8.38). With regards to the WHtR-a3 (WHtR grouped into three categories), the univariate ORs were all significant for morbid obesity compared to the healthy group, with a risk of 6.86 (CI 95% 3.23-14.58) for patients with poor MC compared to those with complete MC. Masticatory hypofunctionality could be associated with the presence of MetS. Clinical relevance: The number of t-FTUs is directly related to AO.

Study on the association between sleep disorders versus oral health related variables

Background To study the association between sleep quality and oral health related variables, which still have conflicts in the literature. Material and Methods This was a population-based case-control study between subjects with versus without sleep disorders from the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS), city of Maringá (N=1,643). Subjects answered self-reported questionnaires: a) Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), b) Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and c) North York Dental Health Survey (NYDHS). Results No significant difference was found for gender, marital status, or income; however, non-Caucasians, people with lower levels of education, and those between 20 to 50 years old had worse scores of sleep disorders in the SAQ. Self-perceived oral health, masticatory capacity to eat foods, and gingival bleeding was significantly worse among subjects with self-reported sleep disorders. Self-reported tooth loss, edentulism and use of removable partial dentures (with clasps) or complete dentures showed no significant difference between groups. Self-reported sleep disorder subjects presented significantly higher prevalence of both self-reported tooth and TMJ pain. Conclusions It can be concluded that individuals with self-reported sleep disorders presented worse self-perceived oral health for most studied variables. Key words:Oral health, case control study, sleep; review, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss.

Masticatory Adaptation to Occlusal Changes.

This review deals with the frequent wide variability of masticatory capacity/incapacity. Neither researchers nor clinicians have taken sufficient account of this variability despite its implications for nutrition. Mastication in normal healthy oral conditions is first described, followed by a short presentation of the mechanisms of masticatory adaptation in the nervous system. Capacity, incapacity, and successful compensatory adaptation of mastication are then defined, along with the different methods used for their evaluation. Examples of adaptation needs are given, such as those concomitant with dental wear or occlusal changes. Finally, given its vital importance for deeply impaired mastication/deglutition function, the impact of masticatory adaptation processes on nutrition is examined.

Masticatory Capacity and Mortality: The Preventive and Clinical Investigation Center (IPC) Cohort Study

Poor oral health (OH) has been associated with mortality, but the association between OH components and mortality remains imprecise. The present observational study aimed to investigate if there is an association between oral masticatory efficiency and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a large French subject cohort. The study was based on a cohort of 85,830 subjects aged between 16 and 94 y at recruitment. The follow-up extended from 2001 to 2014 and the mean follow-up was 8.06 ± 2.73 y. The number of deaths totaled 1,670. Full-mouth examinations were performed. Dental plaque, dental calculus, gingival inflammation, missing teeth, and masticatory units were recorded. Masticatory units represent the number of natural or prosthetic opposing premolars and molar pairs and can be considered an accurate indicator for masticatory efficiency. Causes of death were ascertained from death certificates. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs). In the fully adjusted model, the number of masticatory units <5 is associated with an HR of 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54 to 1.91) for all-cause mortality, HR of 1.41 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.99) for CV mortality, HR of 1.76 (95% CI, 1.44 to 2.15) for cancer mortality, and HR of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.55 to 2.20) for non-CV and noncancer mortality. Significant statistical associations with the other oral variables were also found for all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, and non-CV and noncancer mortality in the adjusted models. Our study indicates that after full adjustment, all oral parameters are associated with all-cause, cancer, and non-CV and noncancer mortality. However, the low number of masticatory units is associated with an increased risk of CV mortality. We highlight the association of masticatory units and CV mortality.

Comorbidity of TMD and malocclusion

Aim: to evaluate the synergic impact of muscular TMD and malocclusion on quality of life, masticatory capacity and emotional features of young adults. Methods: this cross-sectional study comprised 4 groups (n= 15): G1, individuals without TMD or malocclusion; G2, with TMD and malocclusion; G3, with TMD and without malocclusion, and G4, without TMD and with malocclusion. Muscular TMD was diagnosed by RCD/TMD. Data included quality of life (OHIP-14), masticatory capacity test (X50), emotional stress (PSS-14), depression (MDI), pain intensity and salivary cortisol. Comparative statistical analysis included One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (X50, stress and cortisol) and GENMOD followed by Wald test (OHIP-14 and pain data). Fisher's and Pearson's association analysis were carried out. Results: Comorbidity of muscular TMD and malocclusion leads to significant lower masticatory capacity (p&lt;0.05). TMD groups independently of the occlusal condition had considerably lower OHIP-14 scores and higher stress levels (self-perceived and hormonal) (p&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of emotional depression among groups. A significant positive correlation was observed among quality of life, stress and pain perception. Conclusion: muscular TMD in the overlap of malocclusion potentializes their negative effect on masticatory capacity. In addition, the hindering effect of the comorbidity is variable, however, TMD has a greater negative impact on quality of life and stress, whilst malocclusion on mastication.

The Effect of Complete Dentures on the Quality of Life of Edentulous Patients in the South Indian Population Based on Gender and Systemic Disease.

PurposeDifferent socio-demographic variables, such as age, gender, and systemic disease, may affect satisfaction with complete dentures. Several studies have failed to show strong correlations either between patient satisfaction with their dentures and their quality or between denture satisfaction and the quality of the denture-supporting tissues. Hence, this study utilized a standardized questionnaire that included questions from domains such as mastication, appearance, speech, comfort, health, denture care, and social status. These questionnaires were used to determine the level of complete denture satisfaction along with socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and systemic condition.Materials and methodA total number of 128 completely edentulous patients aged between 40 and 50 years were selected. A standardized questionnaire, with 19 questions based on denture satisfaction level and masticatory capacity in the domains of functional limitation (FL), psychological discomfort (D1), psychological disability (D2), and social disability (D3), was administered. All the questions were recorded on a scale of 2, 1, 0 based on satisfied, moderately satisfied, and not satisfied, whereas hardly ever, occasionally, and very often were used for masticatory capacity. Questions on denture satisfaction were asked based on the post-treatment satisfaction with the new maxillary/mandibular complete dentures of the patients.ResultsBased on gender, the distribution of samples was 46.09% for male patients and 53.91% for female patients among the 128 patients selected. Similarly, based on systemic diseases, 66.41% had the presence of systemic disease while 28.13% did not have any systemic disease. Around 5.47% of the sample did not have any medical records. The predominance of psychological satisfaction was more for female patients. Based on systemic disease, it was observed that patients with the presence of systemic disease (Pn) were more psychologically comfortable than those who did not have systemic disease. The predominance of functional satisfaction was not marked in both genders. Based on systemic disease, it was observed that patients with the presence of systemic disease (Pn) had less functional comfort on mastication than those who did not have a systemic disease.ConclusionThe acceptance of and satisfaction with complete denture treatment were comparatively higher in patients who had a systemic disease than in those with a non-systemic disease in terms of psychological and social comfort, whereas, in functionality, patients with a non-systemic disease had a higher satisfaction level.

The Association between Tooth Loss and Alzheimer's Disease: a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Case Control Studies.

Alzheimer’s disease is classified as a neurodegenerative condition, a heterogeneous group of illnesses characterized by the slow and progressive loss of one or more functions of the nervous system. Its incidence tends to increase gradually from 65 years of age, up to a prevalence of 4% at age 75. The loss of dental elements is more prevalent in this population and might negatively affect the masticatory capacity, quality of life, and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigated problems related to oral health and the loss of dental elements in elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and considered whether local inflammatory processes could affect the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify a link between the causes leading to tooth loss and the onset/progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We also studied whether there is a higher incidence of tooth loss (primary outcome) and edentulism (secondary outcome) among Alzheimer’s patients. We searched records in electronic databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science using the following keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease AND periodontal, Alzheimer’s Disease AND periodontitis, dementia AND (periodontitis OR periodontal) “Alzheimer’s Disease” AND “tooth” OR “dental loss,” “dementia” AND “edentulous,” “Alzheimer’s Disease” AND “edentulous,” “dementia” AND “tooth” OR “dental loss.” The records were screened, and after applying the eligibility and inclusion criteria, nine articles were left, six of which were analyzed for the primary outcome (loss of dental elements) and six for the secondary outcome (tooth loss). Results from this meta-analysis revealed that Alzheimer’s disease patients have an increased risk of dental loss (hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–2.30, p = 0.05) and edentulous condition (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.70–3.01, p < 0.001). A quantitative analysis of the included studies indicated that patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease are characterized by a greater number of lost dental elements and general edentulism compared to the control groups.

Is masticatory performance affected after a unilateral condylar fracture? A cross-sectional study.

Mandibular fractures, especially condylar fractures, are one of the most common facial fractures. Trauma to this region could possibly compromise masticatory performance, which is a vital function for humans. To objectively determine masticatory performance (Mixing Ability Test; MAT) in patients treated for a unilateral condylar fracture, thereby comparing patients in open and closed treatment groups, and assessing whether there is a positive relationship between this performance and subjective mandibular function (Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire; MFIQ). Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and examined on an additional appointment at least 1year after trauma, during which the patients performed the MAT and completed the MFIQ. The Spearman test was used to assess the correlation between the Mixing Ability Index (MAI) and the MFIQ score. A linear regression was used to explore the effects of different factors on the MAI. The correlation between objective masticatory performance and the subjective mandibular function was positive (r=0.250; P=0.033). Better masticatory performance was observed in patients who were male, received physiotherapy, had no other mandibular fractures and/or had satisfactory self-perceived occlusion. No significant difference in the MAI was found between the open and closed treatment groups. Independent of the chosen treatment, at least 1year after treatment, individuals who experienced a unilateral fracture of the mandibular condyle exhibit masticatory capacity comparable with that of individuals who have not suffered such injuries.