下颌起排法全口排牙临床效果研究

目的:研究通过比较不同的排牙方式制作的全口义齿对咀嚼次数、咀嚼效率以及患者的主观感受的影响。方法:78例无牙颌患者按照牙槽嵴高度分为正常组和低平组,正常组有患者32例,低平组有患者46例,每组分别戴用上颌起排法和下颌起排法制作的全口义齿,比较咀嚼次数、咀嚼效率和满意度的差别。结果:在戴用上颌起排法制作的全口义齿时,正常组的咀嚼次数高于低平组,差异具有统计学意义(t=3.60,P0.05);戴用下颌起排法制作的全口义齿后,低平组的咀嚼次数高于采用上颌起排法的全口义齿,差异具有统计学意义(t=4.41,P0.05);在戴用上颌起排法制作的全口义齿中,正常组的咀嚼效率高于低平组,差异具有统计学意义(t=5.72,P0.05);而在戴用下颌起排法制作的全口义齿后,低平组的咀嚼效率高于采用上颌起排法的全口义齿,差异具有统计学意义(t=7.16,P0.05)。正常组认为使用下颌起排法制作全口义齿咀嚼能力、稳固感好于上颌起排法,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05);低平组认为使用下颌起排法制作全口义齿咀嚼能力、稳固感和舒适感好于上颌起排法,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对于牙槽嵴低平无牙颌患者使用下颌起排法制作的全口义齿,能够有效地增强咀嚼效率,提高义齿的稳定性。     

The influence of age and denture wear on the size of edentulous structures

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the influence of age and denture use on the size of arches and residual ridges in edentulous patients. Design : At two nursing homes, maxillary and mandibular stone casts of 302 fully edentulous patients were utilized to measure the size of the arches and residual ridges, according to age and use of complete dentures. Age cohorts were divided into three groups; 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years old. Two hundred and forty‐nine denture wearers used complete dentures for at least 2 years before examinations. Fifty‐three non‐denture users had never worn removable prostheses. Chi‐square analysis (p<0.05) was used to establish the possible relations between the linear values and the size indexes of the ridges and arches and the two examined parameters: age and denture wear. Results : Young old patients possessed edentulous structures that were not significantly larger than elderly old patients in both the maxilla and the mandible. Non‐denture users had significantly bigger arches and ridges in both edentulous jaws than denture users. Conclusions : Young old, non‐denture users tended to have bigger residual edentulous tissues compared to elderly old patients who used complete dentures.     

Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00551.x
Complete denture wearing and fractures among edentulous patients treated in university clinics Objective: The prevalence of wearing and fracture of complete dentures was evaluated among edentulous patients treated in two dental schools in Brazil. Background: Acceptance and wearing of complete dentures are related to adaptive behaviour of edentulous patients. However, one reason that could interfere with the wearing dentures is their potential to fracture, which is still a common complication in denture rehabilitation practice. Material and methods: Two hundred and twenty‐four edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures from 2000 to 2005 in Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, University of State of São Paulo, were assessed in 2006 and 2007 to answer a questionnaire about wearing and fracture of their dentures. Statistical analysis were performed using Epi Info software and chi‐squared test to compare maxillary and mandibular data (α = 0.05). Results: Almost 26% of the patients did not wear their dentures, and among the remainder, the majority wore the maxillary denture. About 30% of the dentures were fractured, with higher prevalence in the maxillary arch (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Discontinuation of wearing dentures was quite high, especially considering the treatment which was carried out in university clinics. Prevalence of fractures was also high, greater for the maxillary denture, and was one of the main reasons for non‐wearing of complete dentures.     

Effects of home and office care denture reliners on maxillary complete dentures

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00308.x
Effects of home and office care denture reliners on maxillary complete dentures Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of office (OR) and home (HR) care temporary denture reliners on satisfaction and functional outcomes in maxillary complete denture wearers. Methods: Thirty‐four maxillary edentulous patients received application of either OR or HR to their maxillary complete dentures. Patient’s ratings on satisfaction and functional aspects were measured on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale at 4 days post‐application. Associations between baseline ratings and improvement were also assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in satisfaction ratings or in the functional outcomes. The OR group showed a significant improvement in mastication and retention, whereas the HR group exhibited a significant improvement in general satisfaction and mastication. Improvement was negatively associated with baseline ratings of speech, ease of cleaning, stability and retention in the OR groups and across all variables, except ease of cleaning, in the HR group. Conclusion: When used correctly, home care denture therapy can be as effective as office applied temporary liner in improving satisfaction with problematic maxillary dentures.     

Knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among denture-wearers and non-denture-wearers attending a dental institute in India: a survey report

Objective: Knowledge of subjects regarding prosthodontic treatment may play a role in their acceptance of the prostheses. The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among the denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum. Methods: A self‐designed closed‐ended questionnaire containing 14 questions was designed. Four‐hundred and nineteen subjects aged between 25 and 65 years were surveyed over a period of 2 months. Collected data were statistically analysed using chi‐squared test at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: From the 419 subjects surveyed, 140 subjects (33.4%) were dentate and 279 subjects (66.6%) were edentulous either in the maxillary, mandibular or both arches. Among the 279 edentulous subjects, 143 (51.3%) did not use any kind of prosthesis. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge regarding the replacement of teeth by artificial means, the number of visits required for the provision of a complete denture, problems with dentures among subjects using and not using them (p < 0.001) whereas no significant difference was found among the subjects regarding aesthetics with dentures and socializing with friends. Conclusion: Attempts should be made to raise the level of knowledge of both denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute for any dental treatment.     

The effect of osteoporosis on residual ridge resorption and masticatory performance in denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00610.x The effect of osteoporosis on residual ridge resorption and masticatory performance in denture wearers Aim: To compare masticatory performance, masticatory efficiency and residual ridge resorption (RRR) in osteoporotic and non‐osteoporotic edentulous subjects after rehabilitation with complete dentures. Method: Thirty subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the patients visiting the Department of Prosthodontics for complete denture fabrication. Two groups consisting of control subjects (group I; N = 15) and osteoporotic subjects (group II; N = 15) were formed. Complete dentures satisfying certain criteria were fabricated for both groups. Masticatory performance and efficiency were measured 6 months after denture insertion. Areal measurements were taken on lateral cephalograms before and 6 months after denture fabrication. The data were then computed to analyse differences between groups I and II using SPSS statistical software version 15.0. Results: Six months after denture fabrication, the masticatory performance and efficiency were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for group I, with a significant decrease in maxillary and mandibular sagittal area seen in both groups. The rate of bone loss was more in group II compared with group I. Conclusion: Greater masticatory function was demonstrated by the non‐osteoporotic group, and the rate of RRR was more in the osteoporotic group compared with the normal group. In this pilot study, osteoporosis leads to greater RRR, decreased masticatory performance and efficiency in edentulous subjects 6 months after denture insertion. Screening for osteoporosis is suggested as a routine procedure for all edentulous subjects undergoing rehabilitation. Recall check‐ups for osteoporotic patients should be more frequent, and these patients may require more frequent denture remakes.     

The oral health‐related quality of life in edentulous patients treated with Conventional complete dentures

Objective: To compare the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients with both maxillary and mandibular complete denture and those with either the maxillary or the mandibular complete denture. Background: Satisfaction of denture wearers can be estimated using the OHRQoL questionnaires like the OHIP‐EDENT and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Methods: Two questionnaires were used to compare the OHRQoL between edentulous patients who had conventional removable complete denture on both jaws and those who had on either one of the jaws. Result: The age of the participants ranged from 42 to 75 years, with the mean age of 58 ± 8.12 years. The mean OHIP‐EDENT scores were significantly high among those who wore conventional dentures in both jaws (54.12 ± 5.21), compared with the participants who only had denture either on upper or lower jaw (46.52 ± 7.35). It was noticed that the mean GOHAI score was significantly lower (p < 0.05) among participants who had conventional denture on both upper and lower jaw (28.25 ± 3.67), as compared to those who had conventional denture only on one arch (35.12 ± 2.11). Conclusion: Patients with complete dentures in both jaw (Group I) were less satisfied than patients with single complete denture (Group II). The result obtained in this study shows dissatisfaction with conventional dentures among edentulous patients.     

Complete denture hygiene and nocturnal wearing habits among patients attending the Prosthodontic Department in a Dental University in Brazil

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00369.x Complete denture hygiene and nocturnal wearing habits among patients attending the Prosthodontic Department in a Dental University in Brazil Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overnight wearing and cleaning habits of complete denture wearers. Background: Successful complete denture treatment can be achieved when the patients are motivated and aware of appropriate denture wear and hygiene. Materials and methods: A sample of 224 complete denture wearers (162 women) aged 37–89 years was studied. Inclusion criteria comprised edentulous subjects who had received their new complete dentures between 2000 and 2005 in the Dental Clinic of the Araçatuba and Araraquara Dental School, São Paulo State University. Ethical approval was sought and granted. Subjects were interviewed using questions related to overnight denture wearing and denture cleaning habits. Possible statistical relationships among some of items were analysed by the chi‐square test at 5% significance level. Results: Of the patients, 55.8% removed their dentures during the overnight period and 88% did this every day. Among them, 66.4% removed both dentures. Most of the patients used brushing with toothpaste (105 patients – 46.87%) as a cleaning method. More than a half of the subjects (63.4%) showed biofilm and calculus on their dentures. Conclusion: The patients need instructions and motivation concerning denture hygienic and denture removal overnight.     

The influence of mandibular implant-retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00539.x The influence of mandibular implant‐retained overdentures in masticatory efficiency Objective: To evaluate the masticatory efficiency of patients rehabilitated with conventional dentures (CDs) or implant‐retained mandibular overdentures. Background: Despite the evident benefits of implants on mastication as assessed by subjective patient‐based outcomes, the extent of implant overdenture treatment effect on food comminution is not well established. Materials and methods: A randomised clinical trial was carried out with 29 completely edentulous patients divided into two groups. The first group was rehabilitated with a mandibular overdenture retained by two splinted implants with bar‐clip system, while the second group was rehabilitated with a mandibular CD. Both groups also were rehabilitated with maxillary CDs. Masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were assessed 3 months after denture insertion. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated through the colorimetric method with the beads as the artificial test‐food. Comparisons for masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction were performed using Student’s t‐test (α = 0.05). Results: No significant statistical difference was found for masticatory efficiency (p = 0.198). Patient overall satisfaction was significantly higher for the mandibular overdenture (p < 0.001). In addition, mandibular overdenture patients were significantly more satisfied with chewing experience (p < 0.05) and retention of the lower denture (p < 0.005). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that mandibular overdenture significantly improves chewing experience, although limited effect on masticatory efficiency has been observed.     

Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00289.x
Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers Objective: To determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) and denture‐related mucosal lesions (DMLs) in denture wearers and to co‐relate the prevalence with age, gender, type of denture and any systemic conditions. Materials and methods: Dental records of 380 denture wearers were retrospectively reviewed for OMLs and DMLs. Results: We found 45% of the denture wearers had DMLs and 60.8% had OMLs not related to denture wearing. Although the prevalence of DMLs was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers (49% vs. 42.2%), this difference was not significant. The most common DMLs were traumatic ulcer (19.5%) and denture‐induced stomatitis (18.1%). When analysed by type, traumatic ulcer, denture hyperplasia, frictional keratosis and candidiasis were more common in complete denture wearers, whereas denture‐induced stomatitis was more common in partial denture wearers. Frictional keratosis was more common in men than in women. The prevalence of OMLs not related to denture wearing was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers, and the most common OML was fissured tongue (27.6%). No association between DMLs and systemic conditions or xerostomic drugs was noted. Conclusion: No differences in the prevalence of DMLs in association with denture type were found. The prevalence of OMLs not related to denture wearing was higher in complete denture wearers than in partial denture wearers. This difference was affected by age, and the data were similar to the findings observed in the elderly.     

Elderly complete denture wearers: a social approach to tooth loss

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00550.x Elderly complete denture wearers: a social approach to tooth loss Objectives: To correlate emotional reactions to tooth loss with denture satisfaction attributes in elderly complete denture wearers. Background: Total tooth loss is a serious life event, and poor oral health has an impact on daily life. Edentulism treated by rehabilitation with dentures can have a positive effect on patients’ self‐image and social behaviour. Methods: A group of 80 edentulous subjects undergoing routine prosthetic care in a Greek Department of Prosthetic Dentistry were interviewed using two structured questionnaires. The first questionnaire explored reactions to tooth loss, whereas the second measured their subjective experience of complete dentures. The responses to both questionnaires were compared using the statistical package spss v.17. Results: The results showed significant correlation between aspects of tooth loss experience and complete denture satisfaction. Despite the fact that a substantial proportion of patients were satisfied with their complete dentures, some patients experienced increased social and psychological problems related to their edentulousness and the wearing of complete dentures. The aesthetic and functional aspects of complete dentures affected both patients’ social behaviour and self‐confidence. Conclusions: Total tooth loss was not only reflected in patient’s social behaviour and self‐image, but it had a complex and multifaceted impact on satisfaction from complete dentures.     

Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00545.x Nutritional status, dietary intake and oral quality of life in elderly complete denture wearers Background and objective: The prevalence of malnutrition increases with age because of many factors. Edentulousness leads to the avoidance of many types of foods. The aim of this study was to determine whether elderly complete denture wearers have a higher risk of malnutrition than dentate controls. Material and methods: A Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a 3‐day dietary record were compiled for a group of fully dentates (21 women and 29 men; mean age 70.1 ± 6.1) and for a group of complete denture wearers (31 women and 16 men; mean age 70.1 ± 8.1). Socio‐demographic data and scores on the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire were collected. Results: Inter‐group comparison of MNA scores showed that more subjects in the edentulous group (21.3%) risked malnutrition than in the dentate group (0%). The variability of the MNA could be explained for 22% by dental status, 7% by loneliness and 4% by the GOHAI score (regression analysis). Both groups had insufficient energy intakes and deficits in vitamins and micronutrients; moreover, edentulous subjects had lower intakes than dentate subjects. Conclusion: The use of conventional dentures increases the risk of malnutrition in the elderly.     

Clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives by complete denture wearers

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.436.x Clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives by complete denture wearers Objective: The aim of this study was the clinical evaluation of three denture cushion adhesives and whether the results were correlated to Kapur Index for denture‐supporting tissues. Background: Various types of denture adhesives are used among denture patients. However, information on the clinical behaviour of denture cushions is limited. Materials and methods: Thirty edentulous patients had their denture‐supporting tissues scored by Kapur Index and their old dentures replaced. They received three brands of denture cushion adhesives (Fittydent^®, Protefix^® and Seabond^®) and were instructed to use them in a sequence according to the group they were randomly assigned to. Each brand of adhesive was used for 48 h on the lower denture according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. After each brand was used, participants spent 24 h without applying any sort of adhesive. Finally, a questionnaire evaluating and comparing the performance of each brand was filled out. Results: Denture adhesives generally improved patient satisfaction and masticatory ability, especially in participants with poor Kapur Index and those who reported a poor retention of their old dentures. Conclusion: Fittydent^® was the most preferred adhesive, showing the best retention and the longest duration of its effect, but also reported as difficult to remove from the denture‐bearing area.     

Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone-based soft liner

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00503.x Oral health related quality of life of edentulous patients after denture relining with a silicone‐based soft liner Background: Knowledge of benefits caused by a treatment on quality of life is very relevant. Despite the wide use and acceptance of soft denture liners, it is necessary to evaluate the patient’s response about the use of these materials with regard to improvement in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of denture relining in the OHRQoL of edentulous patients. Materials and methods: Thirty‐two complete denture wearers had their lower dentures relined with a silicone‐based material (Mucopren soft, Kettenbach, Germany) according to chairside procedures. OHRQoL was assessed before and after 3 months of relining by means of OHIP‐EDENT, and the median scores were compared by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: After 3 months of relining, participants reported significant improvement of their OHRQoL (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Denture relining with a soft liner may have a positive impact on the perceived oral health of edentulous patients.     

Clinical and microbiological efficacy of three different treatment methods in the management of denture stomatitis

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00354.x
Clinical and microbiological efficacy of three different treatment methods in the management of denture stomatitis Objective: This study evaluated. the effect of mouthrinses and tissue conditioner on the clinical findings and microbial flora of 60 patients with Newton’s type II denture stomatitis (N2DS) Background: Denture stomatitis is a common problem in complete denture wearers. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with N2DS were included in this study and divided into three groups. Two groups of patients were instructed to rinse their mouth with the designated mouthrinses DioxiDent and Corsodyl twice daily for 1 min and to soak their dentures overnight in these solutions for 15 days. For the third group, tissue conditioner was placed in each of 20 patients’ existing maxillary dentures. Patients were evaluated both clinically and microbiologically at baseline and after 15 days. Palatal swabs and smears were taken from each patient before and after treatment and these samples were examined mycologically. The difference between Candida colonisation before and after treatment and the differences between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment clinical findings were assessed. Results: DioxiDent and Corsodyl showed an improvement in palatal inflammation and a decrease in Candida colonisation compared to Visco‐gel. Conclusions: The effectiveness of topical chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine gluconate in the management of N2DS was demonstrated.     

Attitudes and usage of denture adhesives by complete denture wearers: a survey in Greece and the Netherlands

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00566.x
Attitudes and usage of denture adhesives by complete denture wearers: a survey in Greece and the Netherlands Objective: To explore whether there are differences in usage of and attitudes towards denture adhesives among patients in two countries. Background: There are no multi‐country surveys concerning usage of and attitudes towards denture adhesives from complete denture wearers. Materials and methods: The survey took place in Greece and the Netherlands with a sample of 284 and 165 consecutive complete denture wearers, respectively, by using a 9‐item prepared questionnaire. Statistical analysis relied on chi‐square test at α = 0.05. Results: In this survey, 26 and 20% of Greek and Dutch patients, respectively, had tried denture adhesive, but only 27% of them in Greece as well as in the Netherlands currently used it; 49% of the Greek and 45% of the Dutch participants rated the overall performance of adhesives as good. Between the two populations, no differences were identified in a majority of the research variables, except where 27% of Greeks answered that they did not know the existence of denture adhesives compared to none of the Dutch patients and when 90% of the Dutch contrary to 70% of Greeks reported that they did not need denture adhesives as they could manage their dentures well. Conclusion: The usage of and attitudes towards denture adhesives between the Greek and Dutch sample were similar with only two exceptions concerning the knowledge of existence and the need of using denture adhesives.     

The masseteric jaw-jerk reflex in older dentate subjects and edentulous denture wearers

The aim of the present study was to investigate any variations in the jaw-jerk reflex in edentulous subjects wearing complete dentures, compared to an age and sex-matched dentate group. The reflex was elicited by chin taps in 22 older dentate subjects with mean age 61.3 years and in 22 denture wearers with mean age 63.1 years. Surface electromyographic recordings were obtained from the masseter muscle of the preferred chewing side during mandibular rest and at moderate clenching (40% of the individual maximum clenching masseteric EMG activity). A jaw-jerk reflex was recorded in all subjects at least once, and its occurrence during clenching was reduced compared to rest. The occurrence of the reflex was however increased in the denture wearers in both experimental conditions, while minor differences were observed in the values for latency, duration and amplitude between the two dental status groups. These results suggest that under the present experimental conditions the periodontal ligament receptors might inhibit reflex activity. Multiple sensory interactions are expected in denture wearing. However a particular source of sensory feedback is provided by the stimulation of mucosal receptors from the acrylic denture base. Since the occurrence of the jaw-jerk at clench in the denture wearers was also reduced compared to the rest experiments, a potential inhibitory effect of the mucosal receptors can be speculated. According to the findings in the present study the loss of teeth and the rehabilitation with complete dentures do not severely disrupt the reflex activity investigated.     

Residual ridge atrophy in complete denture wearers and relationship with densitometric values of a cervical spine: a hierarchical regression analysis

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00589.x Residual ridge atrophy in complete denture wearers and relationship with densitometric values of a cervical spine: a hierarchical regression analysis Background: The rate of residual ridge atrophy (RRR) and its association with mineral density of other bones have not yet been fully explained. Objective: To measure RRR over a 5‐year period in complete denture wearers and relate it to the density of a cervical spine (CSBD). Materials and methods: Sixty‐two patients (different gender, age, body mass index, duration of edentulousness (DE) and different denture‐wearing habits) participated. A copper stepwedge was attached to the cassette, and 50 lateral radiograms met the criteria to be included. Results: A significant decrease in vertical height was observed in all measured sites. The amount of RRR was highest in frontal areas of both jaws and decreased gradually towards lateral regions. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the amount of RRR in the maxillary frontal area could be explained up to 48.4% by the variable DE and only up to 6.1% by the CSBD, while gender had almost no influence (1%). Similar results were obtained for the lateral maxillary RRR (33.9%; 7%; 2%), frontal mandibular RRR (40; 8.4; 0.4%) and lateral mandibular RRR (31.5%; 3.4%; 7.7%). Conclusion: Skeletal bone density, reflecting systemic and hereditary factors, is weakly related to RRR (3.4–8.4%).     

Factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in complete denture wearers

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00351.x
Factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in complete denture wearers Objective: To determine the frequency of the oral lesions related to gender, age, the length of time of denture usage, education level and economic status. Methods: The 153 patients with old complete dentures (CD) were asked to participate in the investigation. The subjects (76 male and 77 female) were 37–85 years of age with a mean age of 61.8 ± 9.8 years. Education, economic status and age factors were estimated in subgroups. The data obtained were evaluated by one‐way anova , Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Student’s t‐test and chi‐squared test. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The patients who had denture stomatitis and traumatic ulcers were statistically significantly older than the ones who did not have these lesions (p < 0.05). Based on the length of denture usage, patients who had a flabby ridge, fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia, traumatic ulcers (p < 0.01) and denture stomatitis (p < 0.05) were using their dentures statistically significantly longer than the ones who had healthy tissues. Conclusions: The CD wearers should be advised to visit their dentist regularly to prevent oral mucosal lesions due to the changing supporting tissues during the length of denture usage and to improve their quality of life.     

The masticatory handicap of wearing removable dentures in elderly men

Objective: This study aimed at describing the masticatory handicap of wearing removable dentures measured by some masticatory tests and the intake of hard and soft foods. Materials and methods: The subjects were participants in a comprehensive health examination of 67–68‐year‐old men living in Malmö, Sweden. Four hundred eighty‐three men took part in a clinical oral examination which recorded the number of teeth and removable dentures. One hundred and one had complete dentures in both jaws and 131 had removable partial dentures in different combinations. Masticatory tests used almonds to record the number of stokes to the first swallow, and two‐coloured chewing gums for recording bolus kneading and shaping. A nutritionist paid a home visit to assess dietary habits including the consumption of hard and soft foods. The data could be split into groups of different tooth and denture situations which were large enough to enable statistical analysis to be carried out. The results of a regression analysis of the group with different numbers of natural teeth (NT) and no removable dentures could be used as a reference for correlation with the masticatory capacity of removable denture wearers. Results: Number of strokes to the first swallow revealed no masticatory limitations of wearing removable dentures, while chewing gum colour‐mixing and shaping revealed more differentiated impairments equivalent to the function of five to 16 teeth in a remaining natural dentition. Hard food intake for the removable denture groups was comparable to 17–19 NT. Soft food intake was not influenced by denture wearing. In a ranking of oral conditions, those with more than 24 NT had the highest test values for all tests, and those with complete sets of dentures the lowest except for the number of strokes to the first swallow of an almond. Conclusion: Removable denture wearing can be regarded as a handicap when measured with objective masticatory tests using chewing gum and the intake of hard foods. The number of chewing strokes to the first swallow of an almond and the intake of soft foods is not affected by the wearing of removable dentures.