Objective In this study, age, endothelial function as flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), occlusal force, grip strength, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were obtained. AGEs were measured as indicators of aging, while grip strength was measured as an indicator of muscle strength. This study aimed to explain the relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function and determine whether occlusal force can be a new indicator in community preventative care projects. Materials and Methods In 38 community‐dwelling women (age, 76.7 ± 5.7 years), the occlusal force and grip strength were measured, the endothelial function was evaluated by FMD, and AGEs were obtained. The relationship between occlusal force, measurement items, and factors were investigated independently related to endothelial function. Results There were significant correlations between occlusal force and grip strength (r = .54, p < .01). The degree of FMD was significantly associated with occlusal force (r = .60, p < .01) and grip strength (r = .35, p < .05) or increase in AGEs (r = −.37, p < .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that occlusal force was significantly associated with the degree of FMD (p < .01). Conclusion Occlusal force can be an important indicator of endothelial function in the community‐dwelling elderly. This study may help understand the general health of the elderly in communities.

No abstract

Background: Prolonged healthy life expectancy, which is duration without the requirement of any kind of help for activities of daily living (ADL), is essential to ensure a long life with a good quality of living in the community. Further, local residents should understand their health conditions and live consciously to prolong healthy life expectancy. The development of a simple general health indicator is necessary. Both occlusal force and flow-medicated dilation (FMD) which reflects endothelial function are useful tools for understanding the general condition of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function. In the present study we examined this relationship, occlusal force measurement can be a good indicator of the general condition of the elderly. Methods: In 38 community-dwelling women(aged 76.7 ±5.7 years), we measured occlusal force,　grip strength, endothelial function evaluated by FMD, advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study we investigate we investigated the relationship between occlusal force, measurement items, and factors independently related to endothelial dysfunction (FMD<7％). Results: There were significantly correlation between occlusal force and grip strength (r=0.54, p<0.01). Degree of FMD significantly associated with occlusal force (r=0.60, p<0.01) and grip strength (r=0.35, p<0.05) or amount of increased AGEs (r=-0.37, p<0.05). Occlusal force was independently associated with degree of FMD after adjusting for age, AGEs, and grip strength (p < 0.05).Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between occlusal force and FMD. Occlusal force can be an important indicator of endothelial function in community-dwelling elderly. This study may help understanding general health of elderly in community.

Background: Prolonged healthy life expectancy, which is duration without the requirement of any kind of help for activities of daily living (ADL), is essential to ensure a long life with a good quality of living in the community. Further, local residents should understand their health conditions and live consciously to prolong healthy life expectancy. The development of a simple general health indicator is necessary. Both occlusal force and flow-medicated dilation (FMD) which reflects endothelial function are useful tools for understanding the general condition of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function. In the present study we examined this relationship, occlusal force measurement can be a good indicator of the general condition of the elderly. Methods: In 38 community-dwelling women(aged 76.7 ± 5.7 years), we measured occlusal force,　grip strength, endothelial function evaluated by FMD, advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study we investigated the relationship between occlusal force, measurement items, and factors independently related to endothelial function. Results: There were significant correlation between occlusal force and grip strength (r = 0.54, p < 0.01). Degree of FMD significantly associated with occlusal force (r = 0.60, p < 0.01) and grip strength (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) or amount of increased AGEs (r = -0.37, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed occlusal force as factors with significant association with degree of FMD (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between occlusal force and FMD. Occlusal force can be an important indicator of endothelial function in community-dwelling elderly. This study may help understanding general health of elderly in community.