Masticatory Ability (masticatory + ability)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Masticatory ability and functional tooth units in Japanese adults

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 5 2008
M. UENO
Summary, The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the relationship between the number of natural teeth and the number of functional tooth units in Japanese adults, (ii) to evaluate how functional tooth units relate to subjective masticatory ability and (iii) to determine the minimum number of natural teeth and functional tooth units needed to maintain adequate self-assessed chewing function. A self-administered questionnaire was given and dental examination was conducted for 2164 residents aged 40 to 75 years. Counts were made on the number of functional tooth units of natural teeth (n-functional tooth units), the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported and fixed prostheses (nif-functional tooth units) and the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported, fixed and removable prostheses (total-functional tooth units). The average number of natural teeth, n-functional tooth units and nif-functional tooth units decreased with age, but these were often replaced by functional tooth units from artificial teeth on removable prostheses. Total-functional tooth units in 50,59 year old people were slightly lower compared with those in other age groups. Subjects who reported that they could chew every food item on an average had 23·4 total natural teeth, 12·6 posterior natural teeth, 7·6 n-functional tooth units, 8·6 nif-functional tooth units and 10·4 total-functional tooth units, and subjects without chewing difficulties had fewer functional tooth units from removable prostheses. Maintaining 20 and more natural teeth and at least eight nif-functional tooth units is important in reducing the likelihood of self-assessed chewing difficulties. [source]


The role of oral sensorimotor function in masticatory ability

JOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 3 2004
K. Hirano
summary, In order to investigate the relationship between oral sensorimotor ability and masticatory function, an oral stereognosis ability (OSA) test, masticatory performance and efficiency was employed for 15 dentate subjects. Subjects were instructed to orally identify OSA test pieces blindly. The response score and sum of the duration time for identification were used for analysis as OSA score and OSA response time. Masticatory function was evaluated using a sieving method with 3 g of peanuts. Masticatory performance was calculated with the weight percentage of portions finer than 1700 ,m by the total volume after 20 chewing strokes. Masticatory efficiency was calculated by the declination rate of median particle size which is defined by the Rosin,Rammler equation. To analyse the relationship between OSA variables and masticatory ability, the correlation coefficient was calculated. The results summarized as a significant correlation was found only between OSA score and masticatory efficiency. However, a significant correlation could not be found between other OAS variables and masticatory ability. It was revealed that positive correlation existed between oral stereognosis ability and masticatory ability. It was suggested that the role of oral sensorimotor function might affect the masticatory function. [source]


Location of main occluding areas and masticatory ability in patients with reduced occlusal support

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010
Y Nakatsuka
Abstract Background:, The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in location of the main occluding area with reduction of occlusal support and to evaluate the subsequent impairment in masticatory ability. Methods:, One hundred and two patients were recruited according to the Eichner's index, which is based on the number of occlusal support zones. Each subject was instructed to clench a piece of temporary stopping in the particular occluding area that was preferably used during mastication. The main occluding area was judged by locating the tooth on which the temporary stopping rested. Subjective masticatory ability was self-assessed by means of a questionnaire. Results:, Group classification depending upon the location of the main occluding area was significantly associated with the category of the Eichner's index. The level of masticatory ability was significantly associated with the category of the Eichner's index. Moreover, masticatory ability was significantly more impaired in subjects with main occluding areas at the premolar regions compared to those at the molar regions. Conclusions:, The location of the main occluding area may differ under the influence of the remaining natural teeth. The location of the main occluding area and the masticatory ability are likely to be closely related. [source]