Evaluating the masticatory function and metabolic status after prosthesis

Method: 1. Eleven healthy subjects (3 males and 8 females, ranging 21-73 years) participated in this study.  The masticatory function was evaluated by chewing gummy jelly containing glucose for 20 s, for each three times with right jaw and left jaw.  At each time a saliva sample was collected after gargling with 10ml water. The concentration of glucose in saliva was measured as an index of masticatory force, and statistical analysis was carried out.2. Six patients with missing unilateral molar teeth (3 males and 3 females, ranging 50-70 years) were recruited.  The masticatory function was evaluated by chewing the gummy jelly for 20 s, for each three times at baseline and after prosthesis.  Body weight, BMI, BFP, LBM, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate of each patient at baseline and at the end of three months after completion of prosthesis and health guidance (nutrition and masticatory education, exercise prescription) were measured.

Result: 1. The mean values of masticatory function of the healthy subjects were 207±51mg/dl when chewed with right jaw and 206±58mg/dl with left jaw.  2. The mean values of masticatory function of the patients with missing unilateral molar teeth were 52±24mg/dl at baseline and 116±44mg/dl after prostheses(p<0.05).  There was a significant difference in decrease of BFP(p<0.05) and in increase of muscle mass in right elbows(p<0.05).  There were also considerable improvements in some body composition items.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that more remarkable health improvement is made when health guidance is provided after restoration of masticatory function.