The association of mixing ability with oral status is still limited in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate
whether the mixing ability of older participant was associated with oral status, including the varying degree of
occlusal support, periodontal status, and salivary flow rate. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 120
independently living older people aged 60 and over in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Dentate participants without denture
replacement were recruited. Mixing ability was firstly measured by a two-color chewing gum mixing ability test with
20 chewing cycles and secondly determined the variance of hue (VOH) with the ViewGum software; inadequate
mixing presents with a larger VOH. A calibrated dentist recorded the oral status and class of occlusal support
according to the Eichner index. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, medical
history, and oral health behaviors. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between
mixing ability and occlusal support while controlling for possible confounders. The result indicated that mixing
ability was associated with occlusal support according to the Eichner index classification. (Beta: 1.041, 95% CI: 1.022
– 1.06), percentage of CAL ≥ 5 (Beta: 1.003, 95% CI, 1.002 – 1.004) but was not related to salivary flow rate after
controlling for all possible confounders. This study suggested that mixing ability was associated with occlusal support
according to Eichner index classification and periodontitis in the elderly.