Evaluating masticatory performance of removable partial denture wearers using color-changeable chewing gum and gummy jelly

Tooth loss decreases stomatognathic system function, including masticatory performance. Dental prostheses restore masticatory performance, which affects stomatognathic function and general health. We analyzed mastication performance between removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and dentate subjects using gummy jelly and color-changeable chewing gum and discovered correlation between both methods and factors affecting masticatory performance. We measured masticatory performance and factors affecting it in 40 RPD wearers and 40 dentate subjects using color-changeable chewing gum (30, 45, and 60 strokes) and gummy jelly (10, 20, and 30 strokes). RPD wearers were classified using the Eichner index. Correlations were compared statistically. Masticatory performance was significantly higher in dentate subject than in RPD wearers using both chewing materials (P < 0.05). RPD wearers showed a strong correlation between color-changeable chewing gum 60 strokes and gummy jelly 30 strokes and a negative relationship between gummy jelly and Eichner index (P < 0.05). Masticatory performance in RPD patients decreased 20.84% using gummy jelly and 11.77% with color-changeable chewing gum compared with that in dentate patients. The optimal number of strokes in RPD wearers is 60 using color-changing gum and 30 using gummy jelly. The Eichner index is related to masticatory performance in RPD wearers using gummy jelly.