Comparative cross-sectional study of masticatory performance and mastication predominance for patients with missing posterior teeth

Abstract

Although masticatory performance was not decreased in the unilateral group, the degree of mastication predominance was increased. Decreased masticatory performance was observed in the bilateral group, and for foods with normal hardness and soft foods, the degree of mastication predominance was increased. These results suggested that mastication predominance should be considered in the recovery of masticatory performance in patients with missing posterior teeth.

Changes in masticatory laterality 3 months after treatment with unilateral implant‐supported fixed partial prosthesis

“…However, in that study, the chewing side preference was determined qualitatively, as a right or left side, and only the first cycle was assessed, using chewing gum as a test food. In contrast, our results are in full agreement with another cross‐sectional study in which individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth exhibited a greater degree of unilateral chewing than did healthy dentate individuals in an assessment of masticatory laterality considering all cycles while chewing different test foods . Furthermore, our results are in accordance with the perception of individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth or with asymmetric shortened dental arches who report chewing more unilaterally than healthy dentate individuals .…”

“…In contrast, our results are in full agreement with another cross‐sectional study in which individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth exhibited a greater degree of unilateral chewing than did healthy dentate individuals in an assessment of masticatory laterality considering all cycles while chewing different test foods . Furthermore, our results are in accordance with the perception of individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth or with asymmetric shortened dental arches who report chewing more unilaterally than healthy dentate individuals . In these studies, the terms mastication predominance, self‐awareness of mastication predominance and mastication predominance index were equivalent to AI(allC), AI(VAS) and Unilateral Chewing Index, respectively …”

“…The third method used the 10‐cm line VAS and the AI VAS calculated as AI(VAS) = −1 + (distance between the left end and the mark in cm/5 cm) . The AI was equivalent to the ‘objective mastication predominance value’, ranging from −1 (extreme left mastication) to +1 (extreme right mastication) with 0 indicating equal frequency of right and left mastication …”

“…The side with more occluding teeth, more severe occlusal wear, higher bite force and better masticatory performance is more frequently chosen for chewing . While two studies found that individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth or with asymmetric shortened dental arches tended to chew more unilaterally than healthy dentate individuals, another study reported similar distributions of chewing side preference in patients missing teeth on the right side, on the left side and in both sides . These discrepancies can be attributed to differences in the study populations and in the methods used to determine the PCS or to assess masticatory laterality .…”

Prevalence and Indicators of Tooth Wear among Chinese Adults

“…A study conducted by Hayato among patients with unilateral missing posterior teeth showed that there was no significant difference between unilateral chewers and bilateral chewers with normal dentition in mastication predominance[24]. Chewing side preference resulted in a higher bite force and greater occlusal contact, causing more tooth wear and dentin exposure on the preferred chewing side[25].…”