Masticatory Performance and Oral Function in Aging Populations
Summary
As human longevity increases worldwide, the maintenance of efficient mastication and overall oral function in older adults has emerged as a pivotal determinant of healthy ageing. Masticatory performance encompasses the capacity to break down and process food, thereby facilitating adequate nutrient intake, bolus formation and safe swallowing. Age‐related changes in dentition, including tooth loss, periodontal disease and the wear of occluding surfaces, often interact with systemic declines such as sarcopenia and neuromuscular deconditioning to diminish bite force and chewing efficiency. Reduced oral function may lead to modified food choices, malnutrition, dysphagia and a consequent burden on general health and quality of life. Compensatory mechanisms—including neuromotor adaptation, prosthetic rehabilitation and targeted exercises—can partially restore function by optimising jaw kinematics and sensory feedback. Objective assessments of masticatory performance, utilising comminution tests, colour‐change chewing gum or pressure sensors, have sought to standardise measurements across populations. Integrating these laboratory findings with epidemiological data underlines the global significance of preserving oral competence to prevent frailty, cognitive impairment and social isolation in ageing communities.
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Masticatory Performance and Oral Function in Aging Populations publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in masticatory performance and oral function in aging populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Masticatory performance: The objective capability to comminute or mix food into a swallowable bolus under defined conditions.
Dysphagia: Impaired swallowing function, often requiring dietary modification to prevent aspiration.
Occlusal condition: The contact relationship between upper and lower teeth during biting and chewing.
Sarcopenia: Age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, affecting the muscles involved in mastication.
Xerostomia: Subjective sensation of dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow, which can compromise bolus formation and oral comfort.
References
- Kinematic Features of Mandibular Movement during Mastication in Geriatric Individuals Who Are Provided with a Dysphagia Diet at Long-Term Care Facilities. Nutrients (2023).
- Masticatory dysfunction in older adults: A scoping review. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2023).
- Consensus on the terminologies and methodologies for masticatory assessment. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2021).
- Systematic review of measurement properties of methods for objectively assessing masticatory performance. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research (2019).
- Masticatory Adaptation to Occlusal Changes. Frontiers in Physiology (2020).
- Dysphagia and masticatory performance as a mediator of the xerostomia to quality of life relation in the older population. BMC Geriatrics (2020).
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