Relationship between Oral Function and Occlusal Bite Force in the Elderly

Abstract

The goal of hard tissue reconstruction in the oral and maxillofacial field is good oral function. However, research into oral function remains inadequate and methods for evaluating oral function have yet to be established. In this study, we report the relationship between oral function and occlusal bite force in the elderly. This study included 108 residents of Takatsuki City aged 60 years or older. Oral condition was assessed by measuring tooth loss and periodontal condition, and oral function was assessed based on masticatory performance indicators. Mean age was 75.5±4.8 years. As indicators of occlusal function, the means of maximum occlusal force, gummy jelly score (masticatory performance score) and time required for 30 chews were 313.5±234.8 N, 4.0 and 28.5±10.0 s, respectively. As indicators of oral function, the means of tongue pressure, salivary flow rate and lip pressure were 26.3±8.9 kPa, 1.5±0.93 g/min and 12.7±7.1 N, respectively. In this study, we report mean values for oral function in healthy elderly subjects. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify standard values for residents with various diseases.