The influence of the number of Functional Tooth Units (FTUs) on masticatory performance

Individual masticatory performance describes the ability of teeth to break down food. The number of functional tooth units (FTUs) can affect masticatory performance. However, there is no research on the minimum number of FTUs needed for good masticatory performance. Furthermore, age and gender also affect masticatory performance, but previous studies disagree on their effects. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of number of FTUs, age and gender on masticatory performance. The masticatory performance of 50 subjects was compared. Each subject's number of FTUs was obtained from the contact record of the posterior teeth, and masticatory performance was evaluated by comparing the boluses of mixed colors of chewing gum. The number of FTUs positively affect masticatory performance (p=0.667); age and gender had no effect (p=0.245 and p=0.169). A higher number of FTUs improves masticatory performance.