-
Dysphagia Feb 2024Tongue function is vital for chewing and swallowing and lingual dysfunction is often associated with dysphagia. Better treatment of dysphagia depends on a better... (Review)
Review
Tongue function is vital for chewing and swallowing and lingual dysfunction is often associated with dysphagia. Better treatment of dysphagia depends on a better understanding of hyolingual morphology, biomechanics, and neural control in humans and animal models. Recent research has revealed significant variation among animal models in morphology of the hyoid chain and suprahyoid muscles which may be associated with variation in swallowing mechanisms. The recent deployment of XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) to quantify 3D hyolingual kinematics has revealed new details on flexion and roll of the tongue during chewing in animal models, movements similar to those used by humans. XROMM-based studies of swallowing in macaques have falsified traditional hypotheses of mechanisms of tongue base retraction during swallowing, and literature review suggests that other animal models may employ a diversity of mechanisms of tongue base retraction. There is variation among animal models in distribution of hyolingual proprioceptors but how that might be related to lingual mechanics is unknown. In macaque monkeys, tongue kinematics-shape and movement-are strongly encoded in neural activity in orofacial primary motor cortex, giving optimism for development of brain-machine interfaces for assisting recovery of lingual function after stroke. However, more research on hyolingual biomechanics and control is needed for technologies interfacing the nervous system with the hyolingual apparatus to become a reality.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Mastication; Tongue; Hyoid Bone; Biomechanical Phenomena
PubMed: 37326668
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10596-9 -
BMC Oral Health Nov 2023Improving chewing function of older adults increases the health-related quality of life. Few studies indicated the correlation between tongue, lip strength on...
BACKGROUND
Improving chewing function of older adults increases the health-related quality of life. Few studies indicated the correlation between tongue, lip strength on masticatory performance in older people. The study aimed to investigate the association between lip, tongue strength on chewing pattern in aging population.
METHODS
The older adults had independent daily intake without assistance were enrolled. They had intact dentition and no periodontitis. To estimate the number of chewing strokes and chewing time by consuming a cornstarch cookie were used to represent chewing pattern. Lip and tongue pressure were evaluated with an Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the lip and tongue pressure associated with the chewing time and strokes. Spearman's correlation analysis was utilized to evaluate the associations among chewing time and chewing strokes or lip and tongue pressure.
RESULTS
35 women and 35 men with an average age of 73.2 years were investigated. Tongue pressure was significantly related to the chewing time and the number of chewing strokes (p = 0.01 and 0.03). There was a close association between chewing time and the number of chewing strokes (p < 0.0001). The correlation between lip and tongue pressure was significant (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
The tongue strength significantly related to chewing ability in aging population. Increasing the tongue strength greatly reduced the number of chewing strokes and chewing time. Good masticatory ability could increase the motor function of tongue; raising the tongue strength might be able to improve mastication in older adults.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Aged; Tongue; Mastication; Lip; Pressure; Quality of Life; Aging
PubMed: 37951869
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03503-z -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging May 2024Masticatory function is associated with a variety of health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the predictive value of masticatory function for... (Review)
Review
Masticatory function is associated with a variety of health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to clarify the predictive value of masticatory function for adverse health outcomes, such as frailty, sarcopenia and malnutrition, in older adults. An online literature search covered articles published in English or Dutch in three databases (PubMed, Embase and CINAHL, last searched November 4th 2022). Inclusion criteria were: an observational study design, focus on adults aged ≥65 years and evaluation of the association between masticatory function and health outcomes. Reviews and articles published before the year 2000 were excluded. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Study population demographics, methods for assessing masticatory function, and the association between masticatory function and adverse health outcomes were extracted. From the 34 included studies, 5 studies had a prospective design, 2 had a retrospective design, and the other 27 studies had cross-sectional design. The majority of the studies were conducted in Japan (74%, n = 26). Twenty studies (59%) used one indicator for masticatory function, the other 41% used two (n = 9) or more (n = 5) indicators. Masticatory function was most frequently assessed with the maximum occlusal force (MOF) (79%, n = 27). The identified health outcomes were clustered into 6 categories: physical parameters and sarcopenia, history of falling, nutritional status, frailty, cognitive function and mortality. Despite the complex and multidimensional character of both masticatory function and most identified adverse health outcomes, some significant associations were reported. Prospective studies showed that reduced masticatory function in older adults is associated with incidence of frailty and frailty progression, cognitive decline and all-cause mortality. Regarding the other identified adverse health outcomes, i.e., physical measures and sarcopenia, history of falling and nutritional status, only cross-sectional studies were available and results were less concordant. As all prospective studies showed that reduced masticatory function in older adults is associated with adverse health outcomes, prevention of decline of masticatory function by adequate oral care may contribute to healthy ageing.
Topics: Humans; Mastication; Aged; Frailty; Sarcopenia; Malnutrition; Aged, 80 and over; Geriatric Assessment; Female; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 38489994
DOI: 10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100210 -
Journal of Texture Studies Feb 2023The objective of this study was to explore differences in bite size and the amount of intraoral processing of four different foods between a reference and a double... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The objective of this study was to explore differences in bite size and the amount of intraoral processing of four different foods between a reference and a double portion in 8- to 10-year-old children and, also to explore if there were differences depending on the child's weight status. The study was undertaken in 8- to 10-year-old children (n = 89). Body mass index was determined, and weight status was established based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) guidelines. A reference (half a banana, half a large peeled carrot, a slice of loaf cake, and half a salami stick), and a double portion of each food were offered to children in a randomized order in two different sessions. Three consecutive bites were taken and averaged. Variables in this study were bite size (g), number of cycles until swallowing, sequence duration as well as cycles/g. Comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests, regressions and correlations were run. Bite size was ≈13% larger with the double portion (p ≤ .05 for salami, banana, and loaf cake). Cycles/g decreased for all foods with the double portion, although only significantly for banana and loaf cake. Normal and obese children had larger bite sizes (p ≤ .05) of banana than overweight children, while only obese had larger bites of loaf cake with the double portion. In conclusion, the bite size of foods in 8- to 10-year-old children increases (13%) when the portion size is doubled and the larger bite size leads to fewer cycles/g (8%). These effects differ among foods. These parameters do not depend on weight status.
Topics: Child; Humans; Deglutition; Feeding Behavior; Food; Mastication; Pediatric Obesity; United States
PubMed: 36146919
DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12724 -
Dysphagia Aug 2022Mastication problems can have a negative impact on the intake of food and quality of life. This cross-sectional study characterizes mastication problems using clinical... (Review)
Review
Mastication problems can have a negative impact on the intake of food and quality of life. This cross-sectional study characterizes mastication problems using clinical and instrumental assessments in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) types 2 and 3 with self-reported bulbar problems. We included 27 patients (aged 13-67 years), 18 with SMA type 2 and 9 patients with SMA type 3 (of whom three were still ambulant) and applied a questionnaire, clinical mastication tests (TOMASS and 6-min mastication test), and muscle ultrasound of the mastication muscles. Non-ambulant patients demonstrated inefficient mastication as reflected by median z scores for masticatory cycles (z = 1.8), number of swallows (z = 4.3) and time needed to finish the cracker (z = 3.4), and limited endurance of continuous mastication as demonstrated by the median z scores of the 6-min mastication test (z = - 1.5). Patients reported increased fatigue directly after the 6-min mastication test as well as 5 min after completing the test (p < 0.001; p = 0.003). Reduced maximal mouth opening was associated with mastication problems (p < 0.001). Muscle ultrasound of the mastication muscles showed an abnormal muscle structure in 90% of both ambulant and non-ambulant patients. This study aims to understand the nature and underlying mechanisms of mastication problems in patients with SMA types 2 and 3 with reported bulbar problems.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Humans; Mastication; Muscular Atrophy, Spinal; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34392389
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10351-y -
PloS One 2023Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect of dental enamel that affects one or more permanent first molars, with or without involvement of the...
INTRODUCTION
Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect of dental enamel that affects one or more permanent first molars, with or without involvement of the incisor teeth. This condition leads to challenges to dental care and treatment planning.
AIM
Based on the hypothesis that children who have MIH possibly present alterations in postural and masticatory activities and considering the absence of studies investigating these parameters, the present study evaluated the functionality of the stomatognathic system considering the mentioned aspects.
MATERIALS
The comparison of individuals with (MIHG; n = 32) and without MIH (CG; n = 32) was evaluated by electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles (right and left), as well as evaluation of the masticatory cycles during habitual mastication.
RESULTS
MIHG showed muscle hyperactivity in postural and dynamic conditions compared to the CG; higher electromyographic values for MIHG when compared to CG in the following postural conditions: at rest for the right temporal (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.03); in the protrusion to the right temporal muscle (p = 0.02); in the right laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.00) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.01); in the left laterality for the right masseter (p = 0.03) and left temporal (p = 0.04) muscles. In dynamic conditions with consistent food, significance was observed for the left temporal (p = 0.01); and with soft food for the right (p = 0.01) and left temporal muscles (p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Children with MIH seem to have impaired functionality of the stomatognathic system. Children with MIH have alterations in the stomatognathic system.
Topics: Humans; Child; Molar Hypomineralization; Stomatognathic System; Mastication; Temporal Muscle; Dental Care; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Prevalence
PubMed: 36827292
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277030 -
Dysphagia Jun 2024The risk of dysphagia and/or aspiration is determined using screening tests, such as the repeated saliva swallowing test and modified water swallowing test, which...
The risk of dysphagia and/or aspiration is determined using screening tests, such as the repeated saliva swallowing test and modified water swallowing test, which evaluate cued swallowing. However, humans masticate and swallow foods with various consistencies, forms, and amounts, without conscious awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the difference in the behavior of masticatory and swallowing muscles during spontaneous versus cued swallowing through a series of mastication and swallowing processes by evaluating surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals. The effect of the consistency and amount of food on the behavior of these muscles was also investigated. The sEMG recordings of the masseter muscles and anterior belly of the digastric muscle for 12 subjects, and genioglossus muscle for 5 subjects were obtained. The genioglossus activity was recorded using custom-made ball electrodes. The test foods were cookies and tofu, in amounts of 2 g and 4 g. The normalized muscle activity (integrated EMG), duration of the muscle activity, initial activation timepoint of each muscle, and total duration of swallowing were compared among four conditions. The activity of each muscle was significantly higher during the swallowing of cookies than tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for cued versus spontaneous swallowing. The duration of each muscle activity, initial activation timepoint, and total duration of swallowing were significantly longer for cookies versus tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for spontaneous versus cued swallowing. These results suggest that the behavior of the masticatory and swallowing muscles is affected by cued swallowing and by the consistency and amount of food.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition; Electromyography; Male; Female; Adult; Cues; Mastication; Masticatory Muscles; Young Adult; Masseter Muscle; Deglutition Disorders
PubMed: 37752277
DOI: 10.1007/s00455-023-10621-x -
Gerodontology Mar 2022To investigate whether masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties were associated with oral motor function, physical function, and appropriate food...
OBJECTIVES
To investigate whether masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties were associated with oral motor function, physical function, and appropriate food textures.
BACKGROUND
There are few reports on the association between masticatory movements and food textures in older patients with eating difficulties.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study involved outpatients at a clinic that specialised in eating and swallowing rehabilitation. Masticatory movements were evaluated as normal or abnormal masticatory path patterns. Oral and physical functions were assessed in terms of oral and physical status, muscle strength and motor skills. The appropriate food texture was determined based on fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and a video fluoroscopic swallowing study. The associations between food texture and masticatory organ, muscle strength and motor skills were analysed.
RESULTS
A total of 126 outpatients (75 men and 51 women; mean age, 78.2 years; SD, 9.6 years) were included in the analysis. 68 participants (54.0%) showed abnormal masticatory movements. Masticatory movement was associated with masticatory performance (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-0.99), oral diadochokinesis (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.35-0.86) and stepping test (OR = 0.92, CI = 0.86-0.97). Masticatory movement (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.23-7.01) and the number of natural teeth (OR = 0.94, CI = 0.89-0.99) were associated with normal food.
CONCLUSION
Masticatory movements in older patients with eating difficulties may be associated with appropriate food textures whilst being influenced by individual differences in systemic motor control. Masticatory movements may be as important as teeth to enjoy eating.
Topics: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deglutition; Female; Food; Humans; Male; Mastication; Tooth
PubMed: 34676589
DOI: 10.1111/ger.12596 -
PloS One 2023Mastication interventions have previously been shown to alleviate acute stress. However, the relationship between masticatory performance and stress response among...
Mastication interventions have previously been shown to alleviate acute stress. However, the relationship between masticatory performance and stress response among individuals remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between masticatory ability and stress response in young women by measuring the autonomic nerve function and salivary α-amylase activity during psychosocial stress. Eighty women (aged 20.0 ± 1.9 years) were divided into either a low or high masticatory performance group, and the Trier Social Stress Test was conducted. Moreover, the autonomic function was measured at rest, immediately before stress, immediately after stress, and 10 min after stress. The salivary α-amylase activity was also measured at rest, 5 min after stress, and 15 min after stress. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for subjective stress evaluation. There was a significant increase in the autonomic balance of both groups immediately before stress loading, but whilst the high masticatory ability group showed a return to resting-state levels after stress loading, the low masticatory ability group showed elevated levels after stress loading. Salivary α-amylase activity significantly increased 5 min after stress loading in the low, but not high, masticatory ability group. Furthermore, the VAS scores for tension and confusion after stress were significantly higher in the low masticatory ability group than in the high masticatory ability group. Our findings suggest that high masticatory performance may contribute to alleviating psychosocial stress. This is the first study to clarify the relationship between habitual masticatory performance and psychosocial stress suppression in young women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Salivary alpha-Amylases; Saliva; Mastication; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 36652405
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279891 -
Biosensors Jul 2023Chewing is essential in regulating metabolism and initiating digestion. Various methods have been used to examine chewing, including analyzing chewing sounds and using...
Chewing is essential in regulating metabolism and initiating digestion. Various methods have been used to examine chewing, including analyzing chewing sounds and using piezoelectric sensors to detect muscle contractions. However, these methods struggle to distinguish chewing from other movements. Electromyography (EMG) has proven to be an accurate solution, although it requires sensors attached to the skin. Existing EMG devices focus on detecting the act of chewing or classifying foods and do not provide self-awareness of chewing habits. We developed a non-invasive device that evaluates a personalized chewing style by analyzing various aspects, like chewing time, cycle time, work rate, number of chews and work. It was tested in a case study comparing the chewing pattern of smokers and non-smokers, as smoking can alter chewing habits. Previous studies have shown that smokers exhibit reduced chewing speed, but other aspects of chewing were overlooked. The goal of this study is to present the device and provide additional insights into the effects of smoking on chewing patterns by considering multiple chewing features. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences, as non-smokers had more chews and higher work values, indicating more efficient chewing. The device provides valuable insights into personalized chewing profiles and could modify unhealthy chewing habits.
Topics: Mastication; Smoking; Food; Time Factors; Electromyography
PubMed: 37504146
DOI: 10.3390/bios13070749