Factors associated with masticatory performance in community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Decreased masticatory performance leads to deterioration of overall health among older adults. However, maintaining and improving masticatory performance in ways other than maintenance of natural teeth and appropriate prosthodontic treatment remains unclear. If the factors related to the mixing and shearing abilities for masticatory performance are clarified, it may be possible to maintain and improve the masticatory performance of older adults. We aimed to clarify the association among mixing ability, shearing ability, and masticatory performance-related factors. Methods Of the 707 community-dwelling older adults in Kusatsu Town, Japan, 344 who had been treated for any dental defects were enrolled in this study. Masticatory performance was evaluated on the basis of mixing ability and shearing ability. The number of natural teeth and artificial teeth, occlusal force, tongue pressure, and oral diadochokinesis /ta/ were measured as masticatory performance-related factors. Their relationship with mixing ability, shearing ability, and masticatory performance-related factors was examined by means of Spearman rank correlation coefficient and path analysis. Results Among masticatory performance-related factors, the number of natural teeth, occlusal force, and tongue pressure were directly associated with both mixing ability and shearing ability. Moreover, mixing ability was also directly associated with shearing ability. Conclusions Tongue pressure, which can be improved by means of training, is a masticatory performance-related factor associated with both mixing and shearing abilities. Practical Implications Training for tongue pressure after proper prosthetic treatment may provide an effective means of maintaining and improving masticatory performance in older adults.