Relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function in community-dwelling elderly

Background: Prolonged healthy life expectancy, which is duration without the requirement of any kind of help for activities of daily living (ADL), is essential to ensure a long life with a good quality of living in the community. Further, local residents should understand their health conditions and live consciously to prolong healthy life expectancy. The development of a simple general health indicator is necessary. Both occlusal force and flow-medicated dilation (FMD) which reflects endothelial function are useful tools for understanding the general condition of the elderly. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between occlusal force and endothelial function. In the present study we examined this relationship, occlusal force measurement can be a good indicator of the general condition of the elderly. Methods: In 38 community-dwelling women(aged 76.7 ± 5.7 years), we measured occlusal force,　grip strength, endothelial function evaluated by FMD, advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In this study we investigated the relationship between occlusal force, measurement items, and factors independently related to endothelial function. Results: There were significant correlation between occlusal force and grip strength (r = 0.54, p < 0.01). Degree of FMD significantly associated with occlusal force (r = 0.60, p < 0.01) and grip strength (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) or amount of increased AGEs (r = -0.37, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed occlusal force as factors with significant association with degree of FMD (p < 0.01). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between occlusal force and FMD. Occlusal force can be an important indicator of endothelial function in community-dwelling elderly. This study may help understanding general health of elderly in community.