Discrepancy between satisfaction with mastication, food acceptability, and masticatory performance in older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dental Science
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Aging impacts masticatory function and oral health.
• Understanding subjective satisfaction is crucial for assessing oral health in elderly populations.
• Occlusal status significantly influences chewing ability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the link between self-reported chewing satisfaction, food acceptance, and objective masticatory performance in older adults.
• To investigate how occlusal status affects masticatory function satisfaction.
• To identify key factors influencing dissatisfaction with chewing in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 708 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 66.0 years) on masticatory satisfaction and food acceptability.
• Assessed masticatory performance using standardized gummy jellies.
• Classified subjects into three groups based on posterior occlusal contacts using the Eichner Index.

Main Results:

• Bivariate analysis revealed associations between posterior occlusal contacts, food acceptability, masticatory performance, and chewing satisfaction.
• The ability to eat various foods without difficulty was the strongest predictor of dissatisfaction with masticatory function.
• Objective masticatory performance did not significantly correlate with dissatisfaction after accounting for occlusal contacts and food acceptance.

Conclusions:

• Subjective assessment of masticatory function is influenced by objective performance and posterior occlusal status.
• The number of foods an individual can eat comfortably is a critical factor in their perceived chewing ability.
• Maintaining adequate occlusal contacts is important for subjective masticatory satisfaction in older adults.