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Relationship between bite force and salivary flow in older adults
Kazunori Ikebe1, Ken-ich Matsuda, Kentaro Morii
1Division of Oromaxillofacial Regeneration, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan. ikebe@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp
Summary
Reduced bite force is linked to lower stimulated salivary flow rate in older adults. This association persists regardless of sex or medication use, highlighting the importance of oral function in aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Physiology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Salivary flow rate is crucial for oral health and function in older adults.
- Reduced bite force may impact various physiological processes, including salivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maximal bite force and stimulated whole salivary flow rate in a cohort of Japanese older adults.
- To determine if this relationship is influenced by sex or the use of multiple daily medications.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 934 independent-living, cognitively healthy Japanese older adults aged 60-84.
- Maximal bite force was measured using pressure-sensitive sheets.
- Stimulated whole saliva was collected via the mastication method.
Main Results:
- The mean stimulated salivary flow rate was 1.36 ± 0.97 mL/min.
- Lower salivary flow rates were observed in females and those on multiple daily medications (P < .01).
- Multiple linear regression revealed significant associations between salivary flow rate, sex (partial β = .22), bite force (partial β = .18), and medication use (partial β = -.12).
Conclusions:
- Reduced bite force is independently associated with a decline in stimulated whole salivary flow rate in older adults.
- This finding suggests that maintaining adequate bite force may be important for preserving salivary function in the elderly.
- The results underscore the multifactorial nature of salivary function decline in aging populations.
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