Lack of relationship between masticatory performance and nutritional status in adults with natural dentition

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study assessed the relation among several aspects of the masticatory function and the nutritional status in adults with natural dentition. DesignOne hundred adults with natural dentition participated in this cross-sectional study. They performed one free-style masticatory test consisting of five trials of 20 silicon-chewing cycles. The preferred chewing side was determined by calculating the asymmetry index. Masticatory performance was determined by sieving the silicon particles, and the cycle duration was also recorded. Weight, body water percentage, body fat mass, muscle mass and osseous mass were measured using a portable digital weighing machine. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, skinfold thickness and the upper-arm composition were determined. The relation between masticatory function and a nutritional variable were tested using Pearson or Spearman rank correlation coefficients or using analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and the Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. ResultsWhereas body fat percentages for women were significantly higher than for men, the body mass index was higher in men than in women. Participants who were underweight chewed more asymmetrically and more slowly than normal weight or obese participants. A negative correlation was observed between body fat percentage and masticatory laterality. No relation between masticatory performance and any nutritional status indicator was detected. ConclusionBeing underweight and having a low body fat percentage seem to be related to a masticatory lateral asymmetry and to a large cycle duration in young adults with natural dentition. Masticatory performance does not seem to be related to nutritional status.

Oral health for an ageing population: the importance of a natural dentition in older adults

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Do implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses improve masticatory performance in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth?

“…one tooth replacement strategy over another in adult patients with reduced dentition (Elani, Starr, Silva, & Gallucci, 2018;McLister et al, 2018). A major objective of prosthodontic treatment is to restore or improve masticatory function (Jokstad, Orstavik, & Ramstad, 1998), which includes phenomena such as masticatory performance, masticatory laterality, and chewing rate (Flores-Orozco, Tiznado-Orozco, et al, 2016). Variations in masticatory performance may occur due to either extrinsic or intrinsic factors (Woda, Foster, Mishellany, & Peyron, 2006).…”

Fewer teeth are a risk factor for being underweight in community‐dwelling Japanese aged 40 years and older: The Yamagata (Takahata) Study

“…Generally, the presence of fewer teeth results in poorer mastication. Several studies have shown that poor masticatory performance is a risk factor for being underweight . The number of occlusal contacts is also important for mastication .…”

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