Association between clinical and functional factors and masticatory function of edentulous individuals aged 70 years and older: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The global increase in the older population has led to a rise in untreated oral conditions such as edentulism. Oral rehabilitation for edentulous patients is essential to mitigate systemic health risks, including the progression of sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate the association between age, sex, general health status, type of oral rehabilitation, sarcopenia indicators, bite force and masticatory function in individuals aged 70 years and older. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the masticatory function of 52 edentulous individuals aged 70 and older. Masticatory function was evaluated using the swallowing threshold test, with outcomes measured as X50 (median particle size) and B (particle homogenization). Exposure variables included age, sex, type of rehabilitation, general health status, sarcopenia indicators, and bite force. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14.1 software. Continuous variables (bite force and B) were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and cutoff values were based on the mean. Other variables were dichotomized based on cutoff points established in the literature. Multivariate logistic regression with stepwise selection was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), assessing the association between exposure variables and X50 and B outcomes. RESULTS: Males participants exhibited better masticatory performance (X50), with an 85% lower likelihood of unsatisfactory chewing compared to females (OR: 0.15, p = 0.031, 95%CI 0.29-0.84). Individuals using mandibular overdentures showed superior outcomes for both X50 with a 91% reduced risk of inefficient mastication compared to those with conventional complete dentures (OR: 0.09, p = 0.006, 95%CI 0.19-0.50) and B with 95% reduced risk of inefficient mastication compared to those with conventional complete dentures (OR: 0.05, p = 0.016, 95%CI 0.00-0.57) No statistically significant associations were observed for age, general health status, sarcopenia indicators, or bite force. CONCLUSIONS: Among edentulous individuals aged 70 years and older, sex and type of oral rehabilitation were associated with masticatory performance.