Biting force and tongue muscle strength as useful indicators for eating and swallowing capability assessment among elderly patients

Weakened capability of eating and swallowing is common among elderly population, affecting negatively on their health and well-being. This work measured occlusal force and tongue muscle strength of elderly patients and then assessed whether correlations existed between oral physiological properties and the eating and swallowing capability. A total of 26 elderly patients with potential swallow disorder were recruited in this work. Participants’ denture status and daily diet texture were determined by a pre-questionnaire analysis. Their swallowing capability was assessed and rated by water drinking test. Maximum tongue pressure, incisor occlusal force and hand gripping force were measured for each subject. It was observed that participating subjects have on average a significantly lower biting force and maximum tongue pressure than that of normal adults. The swallowing grades assessed by water drinking test showed significant correlations with both the biting force (r=−0.498, P<0.05) and the tongue muscle strength (r=−0.544, P<0.05). The biting force of dysphagia participants correlates significantly with dental conditions (P<0.05). The observed correlation between tongue pressure and diet texture indicates that tongue muscle strength could be used as a reliable indicator of the eating and swallowing capability for elderly people.