Gender differences in masticatory function in elderly adults with natural dentition

The purpose of this study was to clarify the presence or absence of gender differences in masticatory function in elderly adults with completely natural dentition. Fifty-six elderly adults aged 65 years and older (elderly group) and 60 young adults in their 20–40 s (young group) with natural dentition participated in this study. The maximum occlusal force on the habitual chewing side was measured using dental prescale. Next, the amount of glucose extraction when subjects chewed a gummy jelly on their habitual chewing side for 20 s was measured. The maximum occlusal force and masticatory performance in the elderly and young groups were compared between males and females. The relationship between the maximum occlusal force and masticatory performance was also investigated. The maximum occlusal force in the elderly and young groups was larger in males than in females, and the difference was significant. The amount of glucose extraction in the elderly and young groups was higher in males than in females, and the difference was significant. Regarding the relationship between the maximum occlusal force and the amount of glucose extraction, there was a significant positive correlation. These results suggest that there are gender differences in the masticatory function of the elderly adults with completely natural dentition, and these differences need to be noted in the evaluation of masticatory function.