Globally, the number of older adults aged 65 years or older was 727 million in 2020, and this number is expected to exceed 1.5 billion in 2050. Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral diseases among people greater. Masticatory performance is an integral manifestation of oral function.
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In recent years, more and more research works focus on oral function , rather than mere oral diseases . Several studies reported that poor chewing performance was associated with decreased physical function, decreased nutritional intake, impaired cognitive status, systemic diseases, and conditions such as stroke, anorexia, dyspepsia, sarcopenia, progression of frailty, mortality, and poor quality of life. life.
At a recent international symposium on gerodontology , some evidence was presented on the links between oral function and systemic diseases/health, but no solid conclusion could be drawn and further research work was recommended. Systematic reviews on the associations between chewing performance and nutrition and cognition are available in the literature.
However, to date, there is no systematic review that provides comprehensive information on the associations between masticatory performance and systemic diseases, physical function, and quality of life.
As it stands, the present review focused on associations between objectively assessed masticatory performance and general health conditions. Although mental health, social functioning, and well-being are important attributes of health, they are considered outcomes with subjective attributes. Therefore, the overall health-related outcomes included in the present review were primarily professionally diagnosed systemic diseases and physical function .
Masticatory performance objectively assessed directly and maximal bite force objectively assessed indirectly were included as chewing-related outcomes. This review aimed to summarize the evidence available in the literature on the associations between objectively assessed masticatory performance and chronic systemic diseases and physical function in older adults.
Goals
Give an overview of the current evidence on the associations of general health conditions with masticatory performance and maximum bite force in older adults.
Data sources
Three electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and CINAHL Plus via EBSCOhost) were searched through September 2021 for cross-sectional studies on general health conditions and chewing performance or Maximum bite force in older adults.
The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies critical appraisal checklist. Data were extracted on the associations between general health conditions and masticatory performance or maximum bite force.
Study selection
Of the 5133 records identified, 39 studies (43 articles) were included in this review. Significant negative associations were found between masticatory performance and stroke, sarcopenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspepsia, dysphagia, anorexia, and carotid atherosclerosis.
A significant negative association was found between maximum bite force and sarcopenia.
There were equivocal results regarding the association between chewing performance and diabetes mellitus, and between maximal bite force and stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
There was no significant association between chewing performance and metabolic syndrome, and between maximal bite force and Parkinson’s disease progression.
Most studies revealed positive associations of physical function with masticatory performance and maximal bite force.
Conclusions The number of studies on the associations between objectively assessed masticatory performance and chronic systemic diseases and physical function in older adults is limited. Negative associations between chewing function in older adults and the presence of several systemic diseases have been reported in several studies, while positive associations exist between chewing function and some indicators of physical function. Clinical significance This study provides valuable information on the association of chewing function with general health, which draws the attention of clinicians to the chewing function of older adults suffering from certain systemic diseases or physical dysfunctions, and to the need to improve their ability. chewing to achieve healthy aging. |
