Does the utilization of dental services associate with masticatory performance in a Japanese urban population?: the Suita study.

There are numerous reports on the relationship between regular utilization of dental care services and oral health, but most are based on questionnaires and subjective evaluation. Few have objectively evaluated masticatory performance and its relationship to utilization of dental care services. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of regular utilization of dental services on masticatory performance.

Validity and reliability of a visual scoring method for masticatory ability using test gummy jelly.

Background: For quantitative evaluation of masticatory ability of the elderly patients, there should be a simple and reliable method without special techniques and instruments.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a visual scoring method for assessing masticatory performance.

Materials And Methods: A 10-stage scale for visually scoring was rated based on the range of the glucose concentration dissolved from comminuted jelly.