Influence of periodontal treatment on objective measurement of masticatory performance

In a previous study, we evaluated the influence of periodontal treatment and physiological parameters on the subjective perception of mastication using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance Questionnaire (OIDP). In this study, we investigated the influence of periodontal treatment on the objective measures of masticatory performance in the same study sample. Patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 28) were examined on two occasions with a 45-day interval. Electrical activity of the masticatory muscles and maximum bite force were determined. In addition, masticatory performance was assessed using silicone impression blocks as test material. The median particle size of the chewed blocks was determined employing a sieving method. The number of teeth and the probing depth were also recorded. The probing depth was significantly reduced following treatment (P < 0.001). The median particle size of the chewed material was also reduced, which indicates a significant improvement in masticatory performance after treatment (P < 0.001). Bite force and muscle activity were significantly correlated both before and after treatment (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between masticatory performance and number of teeth (P < 0.05); moreover, individuals with a lower number of teeth exhibited poorer masticatory performance (P = 0.01). Periodontal treatment had a positive influence on masticatory performance 45 days after conservative treatment.