Tooth Loss and Perceived Masticatory Ability in Post-Menopausal Women

Post-menopausal women experience physiological hormonal changes that reduce bone density which leads to tooth loss and presumably affect masticatory function. Objective: This study aims to determine association between tooth loss and masticatory ability in post-menopausal women. Methods: Cross sectional study of 95 post-menopausal women at Posbindu Lansia Pergeri Depok, West Java was performed. Subjects answered questionnaires and intra oral examination was performed. Chi square analysis was conducted to relate age, menopausal period, education level, tooth loss and denture use with masticatory ability. Results: 47% subjects lost >10 teeth, 27% subjects lost 6-10 teeth and 26% subjects lost <6 teeth. Seventy-six percent of subjects did not wear dentures. Menopausal period, tooth loss, and age had significant correlation with masticatory ability (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study concludes that masticatory ability in post-menopausal women is significantly affected by length of menopausal period, tooth loss and age (p<0.05).