Association Between Oral Stereognostic Ability and Masticatory Performance in Aged Complete Denture Wearers

Purpose: Clinically excellent dentures have shown a limited influence on the function of denture wearers, suggesting that patient factors, such as salivary flow or oral sensory ability, may play an important role in oral function. The purpose of this study was to examine the oral sensory ability of aged edentulous patients in relation to masticatory performance. Materials and Methods: Subjects were 30 edentulous elderly patients with no oral symptoms or pathologies. Oral stereognostic ability (OSA) tests were conducted with test pieces of 12 shaped forms. The duration time for recognition was noted and the answers were recorded using a 3-point scale. Masticatory performance was determined by the concentration of dissolved glucose obtained from test gummy jellies, which are a standardized food developed for measuring masticatory performance. Bilateral maximum occlusal force in the intercuspal position was measured with pressure-sensitive sheets. Stimulated whole saliva was collected using the mastication method. A multiple linear regression analysis for masticatory performance was carried out. Statistical significance was set at P .05. Results: The stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that masticatory performance was significantly associated with maximum occlusal force (b = .65, P .001), OSA score (b = .51, P .001), and hyposalivation (b = -.26, P = .042). The R2 of the model was 0.67, indicating that about two thirds of the variation in masticatory performance could be statistically explained by this model. Conclusion: Reduced oral sensory function, low occlusal force, and hyposalivation appear to be associated with impairment of masticatory performance in aged complete denture wearers.