Importance of evaluating masticatory function as a clinical outcome

Abstract

There are various goals in dental treatment. The main goal in prosthetic treatment is recovery of declined oral function. Among various oral functions, masticatory function has several important objectives, such as mobilizing all senses in the oral cavity and enjoying deliciousness in addition to subdividing food. Furthermore, a decline in masticatory function causes eating habits to become unbalanced, thus having a negative effect on nutrient intake, which causes a decline in overall health. Therefore, masticatory function is an indispensable function for life.

In this article, I would like to introduce some of the knowledge about masticatory function which I has obtained so far, and to emphasize the significance of maintaining masticatory function as a gateway to general health.