Comprehensive Pilot Analysis of Oral Hypofunction Among Swiss Adults

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of age and sex on oral function, specifically focusing on the prevalence of oral hypofunction (OHF) in different age groups. Materials and Methods: A total of 126 healthy adults, evenly distributed across six age groups (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ years), participated, with an equal number of men and women in each group. OHF was assessed using seven key oral function parameters: oral hygiene, oral dryness, occlusal force, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. Body mass index (BMI) and hand grip strength (HGS) were also measured. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate comparisons with effect size(ES) calculation, and exploratory factor analysis to identify underlying domains affecting oral function (p < 0.05). Results: Older age groups exhibited a marked decline in occlusal force (p < 0.001), ODK (p < 0.001), tongue pressure (p=0.002), and masticatory function (p < 0.001), with moderate to large ESs. Factor analysis revealed three domains: chewing-related, tongue-related, and oral status. The chewing-related and tongue-related domains were impacted by age (p < 0.001), while the oral status domain showed no significant age-related changes (p=0.135). Additionally, the prevalence of OHF increased with age, with older participants showing a higher number of failed oral function tests. No significant differences in oral function were observed between sexes. Conclusion: The findings suggest an influence of age in oral function, particularly in chewing and tongue-related activities, contributing to increased OHF in older adults. These results highlight the importance of early detection and targeted interventions to maintain oral health and function in the aging population, with a focus on preserving chewing and tongue-related capabilities. The oral status domain, however, did not correlate with age, suggesting other factors might be involved in its deterioration.