Mandibular positioning skills with respect to age

Control of neuromuscular activity is essential for the execution of normal oral functions. Although the mechanisms that control mandibular movement and generation of force are understood, few reports address such skills in relation to age. This study aimed to determine the effect of age upon functional skills in the perception of mandibular position in healthy dentate people. A static task examined subjects' skill in the perception of size differences between objects placed between the incisor teeth, and a dynamic task examined subjects' skill in the reproduction of mandibular positions unaided by tooth contact. The results revealed that, with increasing age, a small but significant decline occurred in both static and dynamic oral skills. Irrespective of age, skill was greatly improved when tooth contact assisted in the determination of mandibular position. Consideration of these findings explores some possible clinical implications in the management of dental care for seniors.