Age-related changes in orofacial force generation in women.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the effect of age on orofacial force generation. Forty women participated in a cross-sectional design, with 10 in each age group from 20 to 39, 40 to 59, 60 to 79, and 80 to 100 years of age. Measures of force generation were obtained for the upper lip, lower lip, tongue, and jaw. There were no statistical differences among age groups, probably because of large individual variability within groups. Trends indicated a decline, particularly after age 80 years. Although trends in the data suggest some decline in the function of orofacial structures with age, it is unlikely that these changes would noticeably affect functional communication.