FDI STATEMENT
Effect of Masticatory Ability on General Health
Adopted by the FDI General Assembly: 18 September 2003
Maintaining masticatory ability has essential benefits
not only related to the digestion of food, but because it may also contribute
to physical and mental well-being.
There is evidence to support that:
- Mastication stimulates the flow of saliva. Saliva contains compounds
that help
maintain the health of oral tissues and protect the body against pathogens.
- Mastication has been demonstrated to increase blood flow within the
brain,
and to stimulate central neural activity. The implications are unclear
and need
to be clarified by further research.
- Loss of masticatory ability may be associated with emotional and
physical
health complications.
Both dentists and patients have a responsibility to contribute to overall
health by maintaining masticatory ability.
Further research on the relationship between masticatory ability and
overall health is necessary.
Main authors:
Prof Minoru Nakata, Prof Hideaki Suda
Submitted by:
FDI Science Commission
Reference:
FDI Science Commission Project 1-95: Chewing Functions and
its Effects on General Health
Nakata, M: Masticatory function and its effects on general health.
Int Dent J 1998 48:540-548.
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