Abstract
The 8020 Campaign, which sets a definite goal for dentistry, is highly regarded. However, the problems of 8020 achievers (8020s) and the conditions of edentulous patients with good prosthetic treatment (8000s) have not been clarified. The puroposes of this study are to compare 8020s and 8000s and to clarify the problems of 8020s.
Thirty-six 8020s and thirty-five 8000s were evaluated with regard to their swallowing function, oral dryness, occlusal force, chewing function, medico-social conditions, oral problems, and QOL.
The results show that although their occlusal force and chewing function were slightly low for the 8000s, appropriate prosthetic treatment may prevent decrease of swallowing, medico-social conditions, oral problems, and QOL, as is often said. However, there were some 8000s who had denture problems. These subjects also had some problems in QOL, which needed improvement. On the other hand, there were problems of “food trapped between the teeth”, indigestion and TMD, which might cause the decrease of QOL. Not only maintainance of teeth, but also preservation of a good occlusal condition, ease of cleaning and appropriate dietary guidance seem to be necessary.
