## 4 Discussion
This aligns with the findings in the existing literature [9,10], confirming that aging is a factor associated with the deterioration of orofacial muscle strength. As people age, in general, muscle mass and strength in the entire body tend to decrease [27]; this is accompanied by the weakening of the orofacial muscles, including the tongue [28]. Furthermore, older adults exhibit higher levels of intramuscular fat, a factor associated with lower muscle strength, than younger adults, irrespective of body weight [47,48]. Specifically, the fat mass and fat percentage of the tongue increase with age, while its force generation capacity decreases [49,50]. The reduction in musclemass and strength during the aging process is largely attributed to an increase in catabolic factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, and a decrease in anabolic factors, such as growth hormones and physical activity [27; 51]. Given the rapid rise in the super-aged population globally, including in South Korea [52; 53], and the prevalence of dysphagia among community-dwelling older adults [18], further research on the aging of orofacial muscles as a risk factor for dysphagia is warranted. In addition, we suggest that the functional status of orofacial muscle is monitored periodically in community-dwelling older adults to prevent and detect a decline in their chewing and swallowing abilities. Early intervention programs should be implemented for those identified as having strong predictors of poor muscle strength. Moreover, since a low muscle volume and high intramuscular fat in the tongue are factors that contribute to weakened tongue strength and an increased risk of malnutrition in older adults [54], healthcare providers should closely monitor the motor function and strength of the tongue in this population. Second, our study also found that participants with fewer remaining teeth had lower tongue elevation and cheek compression strengths. Although the number of remaining teeth was associated with all three orofacial muscle strengths in the univariate analysis, it was not related to lip compression strength in the final regression model. Nonetheless, these findings are consistent with those of a study that reported a close relationship between the masseter, one of the masticatory muscles, and the number of teeth [55]. Our results also support the findings of [PERSON] et al. [56], who suggested that masticatory abilities, which are influenced by the number of remaining teeth, can enhance the tongue's motor function, and conversely, that an increased tongue strength can improve masticatory abilities. Typically, 28 teeth are present in the oral cavity, excluding the third molars, which assist in cutting and crushing food with the aid of saliva and other organs, including the masticatory muscles, during swallowing and digestion [45]. A dentition of 20 teeth, although fewer than the normal number, has been proposed as a measure of healthy oral aging in terms of function [7]. Periodontitis, whose prevalence increases with age, breaks down periodontal tissues, including the alveolar bone, ultimately leading to tooth loss and diminished oral function [57; 58]. Tooth loss causes anatomical changes around the oral cavity, particularly in the mandibular morphology [59]. These anatomical changes may affect the structure and function of the masticatory and orofacial muscles [55]. One study reported that tooth loss was significantly associated with the thickness of the masticatory muscles because muscle atrophy can occur due to muscle disuse [60]. Another study suggested that as tooth loss showed a significant association with lower tongue pressure, fixed prosthesis treatment, rather than removable dentures, could prevent the decrease in tongue pressure [30]. Furthermore, the preservation of natural teeth has been found to be significantly associated with general health status, including oropharyngeal dysphagia, and psychosocial well-being in older adults [61; 62].