Reduced lip seal strength and missing teeth are associated with poorer masticatory performance in young adults with intellectual disabilities: a cross‐sectional analytical study

Abstract

Background Alterations in oral health have a negative impact on the quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs). Chewing is a process that influences and determines optimal oral health. However, little is known about how intellectual disability (ID) affects masticatory performance. This study aimed to analyse the differences in masticatory performance between young adults with IDs, young adults without IDs and older adults without IDs. Methods A cross‐sectional analytical design was used. The masticatory performance was evaluated with a chewing gum validated instrument. In addition, the labial and tongue strength was assessed with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. We compared the masticatory performance between groups using one‐way analysis of covariance. Body mass index, muscle mass, missing teeth, lip strength and tongue strength were included as separate covariates. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify which independent variables could explain masticatory performance in each group. Results Thirty‐two PwIDs, 31 young adults without IDs and 32 older adults without IDs were recruited. PwIDs showed poorer masticatory performance compared with older adults (mean difference: −3.06, 95% confidence interval: −3.87 to −2.26) and healthy controls (mean difference: −2.38, 95% confidence interval: −3.19 to −1.57). The analysis of covariance showed significant difference between groups in the masticatory performance (F = 47.35, P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.507). Missing teeth (P < 0.001), right lip strength (P = 0.025) and tongue strength (P = 0.007) as covariables showed a significant interaction with the model. In the PwID group, lip strength and lack of teeth explained 58% of the variance in masticatory performance (R2 = 0.580, standard error = 1.12, P < 0.001). Conclusions Persons with intellectual disabilities have a poorer masticatory performance than adults without IDs. Our findings indicate that the primary determinants of optimal masticatory function in PwIDs are the strength of the lip seal and the number of missing teeth.

Neuromuscular control of masticatory muscles in people with intellectual disability, middle‐aged adults and older adults

“…This article adheres to the STROBE guidelines (Skrivankova et al 2021). The data used were reported in a previous study addressing a different research question related to masticatory performance in PWID (Martínez-Arnau et al 2023).…”

“…2014; Martínez‐Arnau et al . 2023). Among these motor tasks, the masticatory function has received less attention despite its critical role as the first step of digestion, breaking down food into smaller particles for nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and overall health (Krall et al .…”

“…Studies of masticatory function in PWID are scarce (Wintergerst and López‐Morales 2021; Martínez‐Arnau et al . 2023), and it is unknown whether neuromuscular control of the masticatory muscles is affected in PWID. Neuromuscular control results from interactions between the central nervous system (CNS), muscles and sensory feedback.…”

“…Considering the poorer masticatory performance in PWID (Martínez‐Arnau et al . 2023) and the limited knowledge regarding motor control of the masticatory muscles in this population, this study aimed to compare the neuromuscular control of masticatory muscles among middle‐aged, PWID and older adults. The secondary aim was to examine potential interactions with body composition.…”

“…Motor control issues are common for people with intellectual disabilities (PWID), resulting in difficulties with activities of daily living, including walking, balance and eating (Blomqvist et al 2013;Almuhtaseb et al 2014;Martínez-Arnau et al 2023). Among these motor tasks, the masticatory function has received less attention despite its critical role as the first step of digestion, breaking down food into smaller particles for nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and overall health (Krall et al 1998;Pedersen et al 2018;Kawashima Bori et al 2020).…”