Association between Present Teeth and Muscle Strength in Older People in Korea

Abstract

Background: As the world population continues to age, interest in muscle strength loss in older people is increasing. This study aimed to confirm the association between present teeth and muscle strength in older people in Korea. Methods: Using data extracted from the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed 5136 older people aged 65–79 years. The present teeth were based on 20 teeth, which is the criteria for comfortable mastication. The association of the risk of low muscle strength according to the present teeth was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis, and the association was confirmed by dividing into subgroups according to sex. Results: The prevalence of low muscle strength was 17.87% among all participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between low muscle strength and present teeth; a significant association was found even in the model in which all covariates were adjusted (odds ratios (OR) = 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.61). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between present teeth and low muscle strength even in the model in which both covariates were adjusted for sex (Men, OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.02–1.95; Women, OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.06–1.6). Conclusion: An association between present teeth and low muscle strength was confirmed in older people in Korea. These results indicate that the importance of oral hygiene management should be emphasized to prevent muscle strength loss in older people.

Influence of Joint Flexibility, Hand Grip Strength and Pain on Oral Hygiene in Musculoskeletal Disorders—A Non-Interventional Clinical Study

“…A number of studies found an association between tooth loss and relative handgrip strength [ 28 ]. The result of one study shows an association between oral hygiene maintenance and low muscular strength [ 29 ]. A study result found that handgrip strength is an established indicator of the condition of muscular strength, mainly in older individuals [ 30 ].…”

Tooth Loss, Cognitive Impairment and Fall Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults in Rural Thailand

“…These factors may be associated with age-related muscle degeneration and a decline in physical activity [ 36 ]. Tooth loss-induced malnutrition and sequential muscle protein wasting should also be considered for further study [ 37 ]. Finally, the small scale of our study in a single location means that we must be cautious about the generalizability of the results to other populations; our findings contribute to a jigsaw puzzle picture that will need to be assembled from a number of studies.…”

Pérdida de piezas dentarias y su influencia con el Índice de Masa Corporal en adultos mayores

“…Por otro lado, las personas con más de 20 dientes y/o más de cinco unidades de dientes funcionales posteriores pueden masticar una gran variedad de alimentos, así como tener mayor fuerza muscular. (12,13) La ingesta adecuada de alimentos es esencial para mantener una vida saludable. La obesidad, la diabetes y otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ENT) están aumentando a nivel mundial, Pérdida de piezas dentarias y la desnutrición con una ingesta inadecuada de alimentos genera diversos problemas de salud.…”