노인의 의치 착용이 저작능력과 영양 상태에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the differences in masticatory performance according to denture-wearing status and to analyze the impact of denture use on nutritional status and dietary habits among adults aged ≥65 years. Methods: Overall, 104 adults aged ≥65 years were classified into three groups based on denture status: no denture, removable partial denture, and complete denture (CD). Masticatory performance was assessed using the Mixing Ability Index (MAI) and Key Food Intake Ability (KFIA). Swallowing function and oral moisture levels were also evaluated. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), and dietary habits were surveyed. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare masticatory performance and dietary habits among the denture groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between denture use and nutritional status. Results: The no denture group showed significantly higher objective masticatory performance (1.34-fold in MAI) and subjective masticatory ability (1.33-fold in KFIA) than the CD group (P<0.001). The frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption was also approximately 1.34 times higher in the no denture group than in the CD group (P=0.012). After adjusting for sociodemographic and oral functional factors, the CD group had a fivefold higher risk of malnutrition than the no denture group (P=0.039). Conclusions: Older adults wearing dentures tended to have reduced masticatory performance and poorer nutritional status than those without dentures. These findings suggest that denture use may significantly influence the dietary habits and nutritional outcomes in the older adult population.