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In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Masticatory laterality--evaluation and influence of food texture
T Mizumori1, T Tsubakimoto, M Iwasaki
1Division of Oromaxilofacial Regeneration, Department of Occlusion, TMD, and Advanced Prosthodontics, Course for Integrated Oral Sciences and Stomatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan. tmizumor@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|September 17, 2003
Summary
This study quantitatively evaluated chewing laterality and its daily changes. Harder foods significantly increased chewing laterality, suggesting their utility in examinations.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Dental Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Masticatory laterality, the preference for chewing on one side of the mouth, is a complex motor behavior.
- Understanding its variability and influencing factors is crucial for dental and neurological health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively and quantitatively evaluate masticatory laterality.
- To assess the daily variability of masticatory laterality.
- To investigate the influence of food texture on masticatory laterality.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects participated in the study.
- Seven foods with varying textures were used for mastication.
- Chewing movements were recorded three times over a one-week interval.
- Masticatory laterality was quantified using an Asymmetry Index (AI).
Main Results:
- The Asymmetry Index (AI) showed limited daily ranges in 8 out of 10 subjects.
- Average absolute median AI values ranged from 32.5% to 73.4% among subjects.
- Statistically significant differences in AI were observed between the hardest food and softer food textures.
- Harder foods elicited greater masticatory laterality compared to softer foods.
Conclusions:
- Masticatory laterality can be reliably evaluated using the Asymmetry Index (AI).
- Food texture significantly influences masticatory laterality, with harder foods promoting greater asymmetry.
- Hard foods are recommended for laterality examinations due to their pronounced effect.
