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Functional units, chewing, swallowing, and food avoidance among the elderly
G H Hildebrandt1, B L Dominguez, M A Schork
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Dental functional units, not just tooth count, significantly impact chewing and swallowing in seniors. Maintaining natural teeth is crucial for better oral health and overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dental Science
- Nutrition
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in dentition and oral function.
- Reduced masticatory efficiency can lead to dietary modifications and health issues in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the number of teeth with dental functional units (opposing tooth pairs).
- To correlate functional units with chewing and swallowing complaints in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Interview and dental examination of 602 elderly subjects (mean age 70).
- Assessment of oral pharyngeal function and food avoidance practices.
- Comparison with the number and types of dental functional units.
Main Results:
- Dental functional units are more descriptive of masticatory potential than tooth count.
- Reduced functional units correlate with difficulty chewing, food avoidance, and swallowing problems.
- Removable prostheses did not fully restore masticatory potential compared to natural teeth.
Conclusions:
- Compromised dental function may lead to poor chewing, inadequate diet, and negative systemic health outcomes.
- Maintaining natural teeth is essential for preserving oral function and overall health in older adults.