Are Self-Reported Masticatory Ability and Regular Dental Care Related to Mortality?

The aim of the study was to examine whether a combination of self-reported masticatory ability and regular dental care is linked to mortality and issuance of new long-term care insurance (LTCI) service certifications.

Older residents in institutions or in need of LTCI certification requirements were excluded, and self-administered questionnaires were sent to 5,400 older adults in 2013; these participants were followed for 5 years. The total response rate was 94.3%, and our final sample comprised 4,824 older adults (89.3%). We used 3 items to assess self-reported masticatory ability and regular dental care. These included (1) decline in chewing abilities of the posterior teeth on either side, (2) not brushing one's own teeth or dentures at least once a day, and (3) not visiting the dentist at least once a year.

The mean age of the participants at baseline was 75.9 years, and 58.4% of them were women. Main outcomes included mortality (n = 562) or new LTCI certification requirements (n = 1187) during the 5-year period. Multivariate analyses revealed that a poor score on masticatory ability and on regular dental care produced significant adverse health outcomes leading to earlier negative outcomes. The score is considered poor as it increases relative to the 0-point reference.

Regular dental care (both self-and professional care) and maintaining masticatory ability are both important. Hence, public activities focusing on preventive oral health from middle age onward is important.