The effect of periodontal status and occlusal support on masticatory performance: the Suita study

Abstract Aim In this study, we investigated the effect of differences in periodontal status in the masticatory performance of dentate subjects with the same occlusal supporting area. Materials and Methods The subjects of the analysis were classified into those of E ichner A 1‐3 ( n = 1094) and E ichner B 1‐4 ( n = 529). Subjects' periodontal status was evaluated on the basis of the C ommunity P eriodontal I ndex ( CPI ). The number of functional teeth and occlusal support were investigated, the latter on the basis of the E ichner I ndex. Furthermore, masticatory performance was investigated by means of test gummy jelly. For each group, periodontal status was classified in two different ways, either with/without moderate periodontitis ( CPI C ode ≤2/≥3) or with/without severe periodontitis ( CPI Code ≤3/4), and masticatory performance was compared between the various groups. Results In subjects who were E ichner A 1 and B 3, masticatory performance was significantly lower in subjects with moderate periodontitis compared with those without, and in subjects with severe periodontitis compared with those without. Conclusion Periodontal disease affects masticatory performance not only if occlusion is established by natural dentition with no tooth loss but also if occlusal support has decreased.