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Relationship between Masticatory Function and Bone Mineral Density in Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Cross-Sectional
Kumi Ikebuchi1, Yuhei Matsuda1, Mayu Takeda1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Oral Care Center, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, 89-1 Enya Cho, Izumo 693-8501, Shimane, Japan.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 6, 2021
Summary
Good masticatory function is linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults. This suggests oral health may impact skeletal health, warranting regular dental care for the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Health
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- The connection between chewing ability and bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults remains poorly understood.
- Previous research has not fully accounted for various confounding factors influencing this relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between objective masticatory function and BMD in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
- To adjust for potential confounding variables in assessing the masticatory function-BMD link.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 702 elderly adults (306 men, 396 women) from the 2019 Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education study.
- Objective masticatory function was evaluated using the gummy jelly method.
- Multivariate analysis incorporating propensity scores was employed to determine associations.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in muscle mass and tooth count were observed between groups with good and poor masticatory function in both sexes.
- Men with poorer masticatory function were significantly older and had different salivary occult blood findings.
- Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between masticatory function and BMD in both men (OR 163.0, p=0.04) and women (OR 48.65, p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Masticatory function appears to be significantly associated with bone mineral density in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
- Factors such as frailty and sarcopenia may also play a role in this relationship.
- Regular dental care, including services from dentists and dental hygienists, may be beneficial for maintaining bone health in this population.
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