Occlusal support including that from artificial teeth as an indicator for health promotion among community‐dwelling elderly in Japan

Aim:  The Eichner index (EI) is used to evaluate occlusal support. However, this index is based on existing natural tooth contact. This study aimed to establish whether a modified EI that included artificial teeth reflected individual oral condition of elderly people, and to clarify the relationship between this index and: (i) mental condition; (ii) physical condition; and (iii) physical function. Methods:  We recruited 286 people (145 men, 141 women) aged 65–79 years. They were divided into three groups by modified EI, and then underwent assessment of oral condition. After establishing that the index was clearly related to oral condition, we investigated psychological factors (satisfaction with life, self-rated health and anxiety regarding falling), indicators of walking and balance (Timed Up & Go test [TUG] and one-leg standing balance), physical condition (higher-level functional capacity [HLFC]: instrumental activities of daily living [IADL], intellectual activity and social role; continuous walking over 15 min; and frequency of outings), and health history in the previous year (history of hospital admissions and falls). Results:  Modified EI was a good indicator of occlusal condition. The index was significantly correlated in men with satisfaction with life, TUG test, one-leg standing balance, overall HLFC and HLFC-IADL, and in women with TUG test, one-leg standing balance and HLFC-Intellectual activity. Conclusion:  The evaluation of occlusal support including that from artificial teeth is beneficial in the elderly as an indicator of health and oral function, in particular firm bite. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 539–546.