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Social and psychologic implications of missing teeth for chewing ability
S P Oosterhaven1, G P Westert, R M Schaub
1Department of Social Sciences in Dentistry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Losing molars significantly impairs chewing performance and increases chewing time. Patients with missing teeth reported negative feelings and more daily activity changes due to reduced chewing ability.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Oral Health Research
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Tooth loss, particularly molars, is common and can affect oral function.
- Chewing ability is crucial for nutrient intake and overall health.
- Understanding the impact of missing teeth on chewing is vital for restorative dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of molar loss on chewing performance and patient perception.
- To compare chewing ability in individuals with and without replaced missing teeth against a control group.
- To assess the relationship between tooth loss and swallowing threshold.
Main Methods:
- Three patient groups were studied: those with unreplaced missing teeth (adapted), those with replaced missing teeth (unadapted), and a control group with complete natural dentition.
- Chewing ability tests, swallowing threshold measurements, and clinical examinations were conducted.
- Participants' subjective feelings about chewing and daily activity modifications were recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in chewing performance was observed with molar loss.
- Increased chewing strokes and larger particle size at swallowing were noted in patients with missing molars.
- Both groups with missing molars exhibited similar objective chewing performance, but unadapted patients reported more negative subjective experiences and greater impact on daily activities.
Conclusions:
- Molar loss substantially degrades chewing efficiency and alters food processing.
- While objective chewing performance may be similar between adapted and unadapted individuals, subjective well-being and daily function are significantly impacted in those not using replacements.
- The findings highlight the importance of addressing tooth loss for optimal oral function and quality of life.