Parkinson’s disease impairs masticatory function

Objective To evaluate masticatory function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) during levodopa “on” period using new removable dental prosthesis. Materials and methods A total of 34 elderly individuals with PD ( n = 17, mean age = 69.41 ± 4.65 years) or without PD ( n = 17, mean age = 70.71 ± 4.65 years) were recruited for this study. Participants received new complete dentures and/or removable partial dentures. Two months after the subjects were free of any prostheses discomfort, masticatory function was assessed. A kinesiographic device was used to measure the range of jaw motion and jaw movements while chewing a silicone test material (Optocal). Masticatory performance was determined by median particle size (X 50 ) of the Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. Maximum bite force was assessed by a strain sensor placed in the bilateral first molars region. Data were analyzed by t test ( P