Sarcopenia could affect functional dentition

Researchers may have uncovered the association between functional dentition and sarcopenia among older adults.

In a study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, the researchers analyzed the computed tomography data and functional dentition parameters — including ≥ one tooth in the maxilla and mandible, ≥ 10 teeth in each arch, 12 anterior teeth, three to four premolar posterior occlusal pairs and ≥ one molar posterior occlusal pair bilaterally — among 309 patients.

They noted that nearly 25% of the participants had sarcopenia. These patients tended to have a lower mean number of teeth compared with those who didn’t have sarcopenia. The researchers discovered a statistically significant correlation between both functional dentition and ill-fitting dentures and sarcopenia.

The findings suggested the importance of functional occlusion in this patient population.

Read more: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation

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