Objectives: Satisfactory masticatory function is a significant indicator of improved oral health-related quality of life in older adults, either with or without artificial teeth. The purpose of this study was to examine masticatory performance of older adults with different prosthodontic reconstructions and occlusion, as well as to compare subjective and objective assessment of chewing performance. Material and Methods: This study included 100 participants aged 65 and more. The chewing function questionnaire (CFQ) with answers on the Likert scale 0–4 (0 = no difficulties; 4 = maximum difficulties) was used as an indicator of subjective masticatory assessment. The two-color chewing gum test was used as objective assessment of masticatory function (mixing ability), based on the Z-score values. Dental occlusion was assessed using functional teeth units (FTU). Results: The results obtained using the CFQ and the clinical mixing ability test are in compliance with each other (r = 0.742). A decrease in the number of natural teeth, especially posterior teeth, progressively reduced chewing ability and increased difficulties in mastication. Participants with less FTUs, or with FTUs that are a part of removable denture, had greater reduction in masticatory function compared to those with FTUs composed of natural teeth or fixed partial dentures. Conclusion: This study revealed a strong positive correlation between the subjective masticatory assessment in older adults using the validated questionnaire and the objective clinical test of the mixing ability of two chewing gums. Our data on influence of the number and the type of FTU on masticatory performance will be valuable when planning prosthodontic therapy.

Objective: Poor oral health, mainly tooth loss, has been suggested to pose a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The nature of this relationship can be explained by mastication deficit and nutritional status. Also, the influence of nutritional parameters on cognitive impairment has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate whether poor dental status and nutrition habits can be potential separate or associated risk factors for development of the AD. Methods: The study sample included 116 patients with AD and 63 controls. Sociodemographic variables were investigated as factors potentially associated with AD. Dental examination included recording the number of natural teeth, presence of fixed or removable dentures, and the number of functional tooth units (FTUs). Nutritional status analysis included qualitative nutrition information, body mass index, serum albumin level, food consistency, and need for assistance in feeding. Regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors for development of AD. Results: Variables with significant differences between groups, which were analyzed by using the binary regression analysis, were marital status, residence, number of total FTUs (no matter whether the contacts were between natural teeth or dentures), eating meat/fish and fruits/vegetables, food consistency, and serum albumin level. Logistic regression analysis showed that being single/widowed/divorced, eating more meat/fish or fruit/vegetable, eating blended/mashed/liquid food, having low levels of serum albumin, and having less FTUs were significant predictors for developing dementia. Conclusion: Having fewer occlusal contacts, consumption of soft food, and lower serum albumin levels can be considered as associated risk factors for AD.