Shortened dental arches and masticatory ability.

In a previous study concerning oral function with shortened dental arches, it was found that approximately 10 per cent of the patients investigated complained of impaired masticatory ability despite a substantial reduction in arch length and, as a consequence, food platform area. This finding differs from those of studies relating masticatory performance to food platform area. From a review of pertinent literature, it is concluded that impairment of masticatory ability is manifest when less than 10 occluding pairs of teeth are present.

Evaluation of somatic effects of a health education program for schoolchildren. With special reference to physical activity, nutrition, body composition, and blood lipids.

In a group of 4- to 6-year-old children and a group of 8- to 12-year-old children physical performance capacity, daily physical activity, body composition, blood lipids and daily food intake were determined. Children with a high performance capacity (W170) are more active during the day and do eat more. In the 8- to 12-year-old group it turns out that these extra calories are derived from unfavorable foodstuffs.