Masticatory function in elderly compared to young adults

PURPOSE: To characterize the masticatory function of the elderly and to compare total amount of time, masticatory strokes and total mastication score among the elderly and young adults. METHODS: It is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. A total of 50 individuals participated, 25 elderly (mean age 66 years) and 25 young adults (mean age 22 years). The evaluation of mastication was performed by standardized filming of the usual mastication of a wheat flour biscuit. The masticatory type (alternated bilateral, simultaneous bilateral, preferential unilateral, chronic and anterior), masticatory score, total masticatory time and the total number of masticatory strokes were verified and compared between the elderly and young adults. RESULTS: The predominant masticatory pattern in the young adults was the alternated bilateral mastication (52%), while, in the elderly, the simultaneous bilateral mastication predominated (48%). The use of dental prostheses had a significant influence on the total mastication score; elderly presented greater masticatory time and greater amount of masticatory strokes; however, the total masticatory score was lower for this group. CONCLUSION: The use of dental prosthesis has a significant influence on masticatory function. When compared to young adults, the elderly had a greater amount of time and masticatory strokes and a lower total mastication score.