Successful aging--the case for prosthetic therapy.

J P Chung, E Budtz-Jørgensen, P Mojon

Journal: Journal of public health dentistry 2001;60(4):308-12

PMID: 11243052

Abstract

Reduced chewing ability in community-dwelling older people is linked to the presence of removable dentures and having fewer than 20 natural teeth present. Compensation is provided by chewing longer and swallowing larger food particles. Replacement of posterior tooth loss by fixed or removable prostheses increases the activity of the masticatory muscles, and reduces chewing time and the number of chewing strokes until swallowing. In residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities undernutrition is prevalent because of general medical problems, reduced appetite, and poor quality of life. Poor oral health and xerostomia are often present and may have a negative effect on masticatory function and nutrition, precipitating avoidance of difficult-to-chew foods. There is no evidence that the provision of prosthetic therapies can markedly improve dietary intakes; however, it might improve oral comfort and quality of life and avoid enteral alimentation.

Address: Division of Gerodontology and Removable Prosthodontics, Dental School, University of Geneva, 19 rue Barthélemy-Menn, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland. ejvind.budtz-jø[email protected]

DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-7325.2000.tb03340.x

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MeSH Terms: Aged, Aging, Deglutition, Dental Prosthesis, Feeding Behavior, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Humans, Jaw, Edentulous, Partially, Long-Term Care, Mastication, Masticatory Muscles, Nursing Homes, Nutrition Disorders, Nutritional Status, Quality of Life, Time Factors, Tooth Diseases, Tooth Loss, Xerostomia