Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Mimicking and Measuring Occlusal Erosive Tooth Wear with the "Rub&Roll" and Non-contact Profilometry
Published on: February 2, 2018
Masticatory function in elderly compared to young adults
Verônica Fernandes Ramos1, Anderson Francisco Silva1, Melissa Picinato-Pirola1
1Universidade de Brasília - UnB - Brasília (DF), Brasil.
Purpose:
To characterize the masticatory function of the elderly and to compare total amount of time, masticatory strokes and total mastication score among the elderly and young adults.
Methods:
It is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. A total of 50 individuals participated, 25 elderly (mean age 66 years) and 25 young adults (mean age 22 years). The evaluation of mastication was performed by standardized filming of the usual mastication of a wheat flour biscuit. The masticatory type (alternated bilateral, simultaneous bilateral, preferential unilateral, chronic and anterior), masticatory score, total masticatory time and the total number of masticatory strokes were verified and compared between the elderly and young adults.
Results:
The predominant masticatory pattern in the young adults was the alternated bilateral mastication (52%), while, in the elderly, the simultaneous bilateral mastication predominated (48%). The use of dental prostheses had a significant influence on the total mastication score; elderly presented greater masticatory time and greater amount of masticatory strokes; however, the total masticatory score was lower for this group.
Conclusion:
The use of dental prosthesis has a significant influence on masticatory function. When compared to young adults, the elderly had a greater amount of time and masticatory strokes and a lower total mastication score.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

