Successful aging - the case for prosthetic therapy

Reduced chewing ability in community-dwelling older people is linked to the presence of removable dentures and having fewer than 20 natural teeth pres ent. Compensation is provided by chewing longer and swallowing larger food particles. Replacement of posterior tooth loss by fixed or removable prosth eses increases the activity of the masticatory muscles, and reduces chewing time and the number of chewing strokes until swallowing. In residents of n ursing homes and long-term care facilities undernutrition is prevalent beca use of general medical problems, reduced appetite, and poor quality of life . Poor oral health and xerostomia are often present and may have a negative effect on masticatory function and nutrition, precipitating avoidance of d ifficult-to-chew foods. There is no evidence that the provision of prosthet ic therapies can markedly improve dietary intakes; however, it might improv e oral comfort and quality of life and avoid enteral alimentation.