Decreased Tongue-Lip Motor Function in Japanese Population with Low Taste Sensitivity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oral Health
• Sensory Science

Background:

• Taste disorders negatively impact nutrition and quality of life, particularly in aging populations.
• Japan faces a rising prevalence of taste disorders due to its rapidly aging society.
• The link between oral frailty and taste sensitivity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oral health status and taste sensitivity in the Japanese population.
• To assess how oral function correlates with taste perception.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 169 participants (2018-2021) at Kanagawa Dental University Hospital.
• Evaluated oral function, systemic indicators, and taste sensitivity using various tastants.
• Statistical analysis, including multiple logistic regression, was performed.

Main Results:

• Lower taste sensitivity was associated with reduced tongue-lip motor function, irrespective of age, sex, or smoking status.
• An association between tongue-lip motor function and taste sensitivity was observed in individuals younger than 65.
• The study included 39.6% males and 60.4% females with a median age of 68 years.

Conclusions:

• Decreased taste sensitivity is significantly associated with impaired tongue-lip motor function.
• Early maintenance of oral function and taste sensitivity is crucial for overall well-being.
• This highlights the importance of oral health interventions for taste disorders in the elderly.