Introduction: Masticatory efficiency is essential for adequate nutrition, healthy aging, and successful prosthodontic rehabilitation. Age-related oral and physiological changes, including tooth loss, periodontal disease, diminished salivary secretion, reduced muscle strength, and compromised neuromuscular coordination, negatively influence masticatory function and have been linked to various systemic health conditions. Aim: This review aimed to summarise the association between masticatory efficiency and systemic health, with particular emphasis on the contribution of prosthodontic rehabilitation to improving both oral function and overall health outcomes. Methods: A narrative review was undertaken by synthesizing relevant published studies that investigated masticatory efficiency, systemic diseases, and the role of prosthodontic rehabilitation in older adults. Evidence from observational studies, clinical trials, and review articles was critically synthesized to assess associations, underlying mechanisms, and treatment outcomes. Results: Reduced masticatory efficiency was consistently associated with malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, dysphagia, and oral frailty. Implant-supported prostheses demonstrated superior outcomes over conventional prostheses in restoring masticatory function, improving dietary intake, oral health-related quality of life, and functional independence. Discussion: Current evidence supports preserving masticatory efficiency as an important component of healthy aging. Early prosthodontic rehabilitation, particularly implant-supported treatment where appropriate, may improve oral function and contribute to better systemic health outcomes in older adults.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Suma et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: