[Sequelae of tooth loss for the potential for chewing in the elderly].

The dentition is a part of the orofacial system. It has important functions such as speech and chewing. However the question is whether masticatory function declines when more loss of teeth occurs. In this article attention is given to the masticatory process and the masticatory performance in relation to complete or partial tooth loss and to the question to which requirements the dental prosthesis has to come up in relation to the food intake and the masticatory performance.