Relationship between bite force and salivary flow in older adults

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between bite force and stimulated salivary flow rate in older adults.Study designThe study sample consisted of 934 independent-living, cognitively healthy Japanese older adults 60 to 84 years of age. The maximal bite force was measured with pressure-sensitive sheets, and stimulated whole saliva was collected using the mastication method.ResultsThe mean stimulated salivary flow rate was 1.36 ± 0.97 mL/min. In bivariate analysis, the stimulated salivary flow rate was significantly lower in females and subjects with daily multiple medications (P < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the stimulated salivary flow rate was significantly associated with sex (standardized partial regression coefficient: partial β = .22; P < .001), bite force (partial β = .18; P < .001), and multiple daily medications (partial β = −.12; P < .001).ConclusionsIt is suggested that reduced bite force is associated with a decline in stimulated whole salivary flow rate independent of sex and medication in older adults.