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More Teeth and Posterior Balanced Occlusion Are a Key Determinant for Cognitive Function in the Elderly
Taejun Park1, Yun-Sook Jung2, Keunbada Son3
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kyungpook National University School of Dentistry, Daegu 41940, Korea.
Summary
Chewing ability, including remaining teeth and bite alignment, is linked to cognitive function in older adults. Maintaining good oral health may support brain health and reduce dementia risk in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Healthcare
- Neuroscience
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Age-related cognitive decline is a significant concern in elderly care.
- Tooth loss and reduced chewing ability are potential contributors to cognitive impairment and dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chewing ability and cognitive function in elderly individuals.
- To identify objective indicators of chewing ability relevant to cognitive status.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 563 South Korean adults aged 65+.
- Assessment of chewing ability using remaining teeth, denture status, gum condition, and occlusal balance (T-Scan III®).
- Cognitive function measured by the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant associations found between chewing ability factors and cognitive function.
- Fewer remaining teeth and anterior balanced occlusion were noted in individuals needing dentures.
- A correlation was observed between the number of remaining teeth, denture status, occlusal balance, and cognitive function scores.
Conclusions:
- Objective measures of chewing ability are suitable for assessment in the elderly.
- Chewing ability indicators, such as remaining teeth and occlusal balance, are correlated with cognitive function.
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