Keynote Address: Mastication Matters: the Significance of Chewing in Aging

Abstract Body: The ability to chew is an important determinant of oral health and quality of life. Chewing function is affected by a number of physiological and anatomical parameters. Oral rehabilitation procedures have evolved over a few decades from removable to fixed prosthesis. Branemark and coworkers devised the dental implant that have revolutionized the oral rehabilitation strategies. Dental implants have improved the stability and retention of the prosthesis and most people tend to report higher patient satisfaction and increase in the oral-health-related quality of life. But do the current rehabilitation strategies result in improved nutritional status and contribute towards heathy aging. A compromised chewing function may affect the swallowing and digestive functions, compromises nutrient intake, and may have an impact on cognitive functions and frailty. The keynote will address the importance of chewing in the older population and present interesting interactions to explain the complex relationship between oral functions and general health.