Location of main occluding areas and masticatory ability in patients with reduced occlusal support.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in location of the main occluding area with reduction of occlusal support and to evaluate the subsequent impairment in masticatory ability.
Methods: One hundred and two patients were recruited according to the Eichner's index, which is based on the number of occlusal support zones. Each subject was instructed to clench a piece of temporary stopping in the particular occluding area that was preferably used during mastication. The main occluding area was judged by locating the tooth on which the temporary stopping rested. Subjective masticatory ability was self-assessed by means of a questionnaire.
Results: Group classification depending upon the location of the main occluding area was significantly associated with the category of the Eichner's index. The level of masticatory ability was significantly associated with the category of the Eichner's index. Moreover, masticatory ability was significantly more impaired in subjects with main occluding areas at the premolar regions compared to those at the molar regions.
Conclusions: The location of the main occluding area may differ under the influence of the remaining natural teeth. The location of the main occluding area and the masticatory ability are likely to be closely related.