Correlation Between Handgrip Strength with the Number of Remaining Teeth in Indonesian Elderly

Several studies have investigated the relationship between muscle strength and the number of remaining teeth, but some results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between muscle strength and the number of remaining teeth in the elderly population of Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural area of Manado, a urban town in East Indonesia, from May 2023 to September 2023. The study included 52 volunteers (19 males and 33 females) aged 60 years or older. Participants were categorized into two groups based on the number of remaining teeth: 20 or more teeth, and fewer than 20 teeth. Muscle strength was measured three times using a CAMRY EHl0l handgrip dynamometer on the dominant hand, with the highest value recorded for analysis. Handgrip strength was classified as low if below 26 kg for males and 18 kg for females. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test with a significance level set at p<0.001. Among the participants, 15 elderly individuals (29%) with 20 or more remaining teeth had normal muscle strength (p<0.001). The study concluded that there is an association between the number of remaining teeth and muscle strength in the elderly population of Indonesia.