Int J Stomatol

Int J Stomatol ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (4): 601-606.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2026622

• Review • Previous Articles    

Research progress of the impact of tooth loss on swallowing function

Wanxin Li(),Zhaoxin Zhang,Qiang Li()   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi International Joint Research Center for Oral Diseases, Dept. of General Dentistry & Emergency, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
  • Received:2025-02-23 Revised:2026-03-31 Online:2026-07-01 Published:2026-06-25
  • Contact: Qiang Li E-mail:liwanxinn@163.com;lqaq726@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(2024SF-YBXM-259);International Scienti-fic and Technological Cooperation and Exchange Program of Shaanxi Province(2021KW-45)

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Abstract:

Normal swallowing is a crucial activity for maintaining survival and metabolic balance in the body. A complete and healthy set of teeth is critical for the proper execution of swallowing functions. However, various oral diseases such as periodontal disease, dental caries, trauma, and tumors can lead to tooth loss. In recent years, the acceleration of the aging process has rendered the issue of tooth loss among the population increasingly prominent. However, the effect of tooth loss on swallowing function is often overlooked by clinicians and patients. Previous studies have shown that tooth loss negatively affects various aspects of swallowing, including food mastication, bolus transport, mandibular positioning, and the coordination of oral muscle groups, leading to swallowing hypofunction. This article reviews existing data to clarify the correlation between tooth loss and swallowing disorders and evaluates the therapeutic effects of prosthetic restoration on swallowing function in patients with tooth loss. The synthesized evidence aims to provide a theoretical foundation for evidence-based clinical decision-making in dentistry.

Key words: tooth loss, swallowing function, prosthetic restoration

CLC Number: 

  • R333.1

TrendMD: 
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