Mastication and oral sensory function in frail edentulous elderly: a case–control study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF), masticatory performance and oral sensory function (OSF) of frail edentulous elderly. The correlation of MBF with maximum grip strength (MGS) was also assessed. Methods: Twenty edentulous elderly [10 with and 10 without the frailty phenotype (FP)] were selected to participate in this case–control study. The FP was diagnosed using the criteria of Fried et al., which consider weight loss, exhaustion, physical activity level, weakness and slowness to the evaluation. All volunteers received new complete dentures (CDs) to standardise the occlusal status, and after 2 months of use with no complaint, all variables were assessed. MBF was measured by pressure sensors positioned bilaterally on the first artificial molars. Masticatory performance was assessed using the sieving method and was expressed as the median particle size (X50) of Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. OSF was evaluated using the oral stereognosis test, and MGS was measured using a dynamometer. Groups were compared using one‐way analysis of variance. The Pearson coefficient of correlation between MBF and MGS was calculated. Results: Frail elderly people showed reduced MBF (P = 0.0431) and larger X50 values (P = 0.0053) than did non‐frail elders, while OSF did not differ between the groups. MBF had a moderate positive correlation with MGS (r = 0.690, P = 0.003). Conclusions: Frail elderly had reduced MBF and impaired mastication. On the other hand, OSF does not seem to be affected by frailty. MBF was moderately correlated with MGS.

Masticatory dysfunction in older adults: A scoping review

“…Musculoskeletal conditions including frailty and sarcopenia were the second most reported risk factor 21,25–39 . A systematic review indicated that subjects with sarcopenia had significantly reduced bite force due to masticatory‐related muscle loss involved in jaw closure 38 .…”

“…4,9,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Musculoskeletal conditions including frailty and sarcopenia were the second most reported risk factor. 21,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] A systematic review indicated that subjects with sarcopenia had significantly reduced bite force due to masticatory-related muscle loss involved in jaw closure. 38 Other studies reported that individuals with frailty and sarcopenia had reduced tongue pressure as the cause for masticatory dysfunction.…”

Effect of complete dentures on oral stereognostic ability in edentulous patients: A systematic review

“…A total of 12 articles were selected for full-text reading; of these 12 articles, 5 studies[ 17 18 19 20 ] were included for qualitative analysis and 7 studies were excluded due to various reasons [ Table 1 ]. [ 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 ] Any disagreements between reviewers during the study selection process were solved by discussion. The study selection procedure is shown in Figure 1 .…”

Denture rehabilitation effect on elders’ nutritional status and quality of life

“…Edentulism is the process of tooth loss that directly affects chewing, swallowing and speech, as well as psychological, aesthetic and social factors [1]. Tooth loss is an early indicator of accelerated aging [2] and the higher life expectancy increased the elderly population over time, leading to the need to provide dental services and manage edentulous elderly [3,4].…”