Abstract

Background: Mastication influences oral processing, gastrointestinal signalling, and postprandial metabolism. These effects may be particularly relevant among complete denture wearers, whose chewing efficiency is often compromised. This study evaluated whether an Islamic-based mindful chewing intervention modifies postprandial metabolic responses compared with conventional chewing behaviour among complete denture wearers. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 72 complete denture wearers allocated to either a conventional chewing group (n=36) or an Islamic-based mindful chewing group (n=36). The intervention group received structured instructions emphasizing calm and deliberate chewing according to Islamic eating conduct, while the comparison group consumed the same standardized meal using habitual chewing behaviour. Capillary blood glucose concentrations were measured at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes postprandially, whereas GLP-1 and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and 120 minutes. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance tests. Results: Glucose concentrations changed significantly over time (F=18.62, p<0.001, partial η²=0.21). Although the overall group effect was not significant (F=2.04, p=0.157), a significant time-by-group interaction was observed (F=2.31, p=0.047, partial η²=0.03), indicating different temporal glucose trajectories between groups. In the Islamic-based mindful chewing group, glucose increased from 134.44±49.17 mg/dL at baseline to 147.11±46.76 mg/dL at 120 minutes (p=0.003), accompanied by significant increases in GLP-1 (79.33±29.80 to 101.47±25.45, p<0.001) and insulin (0.21±0.18 to 0.35±0.23, p<0.001). No significant within-group metabolic changes were observed in the conventional chewing group. Conclusion: Islamic-based mindful chewing was associated with distinct postprandial metabolic responses and stronger incretin-hormonal activation among complete denture wearers. Culturally grounded chewing guidance may represent a practical adjunctive strategy in geriatric prosthodontic and behavioural nutrition care.