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Indicators of masticatory performance among elderly complete denture wearers
M Demers1, J Bourdages, J M Brodeur
1Faculty of Dentistry, Laval University, Que., Canada.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 1, 1996
Summary
A simple questionnaire effectively predicts chewing ability in edentulous elderly patients, identifying those with low masticatory performance. This tool offers a practical method for assessing chewing function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dental Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Evaluating masticatory capacity involves objective tests and subjective questionnaires.
- Assessing chewing function is crucial for the well-being of edentulous elderly individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a simple food-chewing questionnaire can predict masticatory performance in edentulous elderly patients.
- To compare questionnaire-based self-assessment with objective measures of chewing ability.
Main Methods:
- 367 completely edentulous elderly participants completed a questionnaire on chewing nine food items.
- Masticatory performance was objectively measured using the Swallowing Threshold Test Index.
- Data were analyzed to assess the predictive accuracy of the questionnaire.
Main Results:
- 47.4% of participants exhibited low masticatory performance, more prevalent in women (51.7%) than men (41.8%).
- The questionnaire, using seven food items, predicted masticatory performance with 65.5% sensitivity and 81.9% specificity.
- Prosthesis retention/stability was related but not a strong predictor of masticatory performance.
Conclusions:
- A simple questionnaire on food-chewing capacity is a reliable predictor of objective masticatory performance in edentulous elderly individuals.
- This self-reported measure offers a practical and accessible method for screening chewing difficulties in this population.
- Objective measures remain important, but questionnaires provide valuable insights into functional capacity.