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The role of oral sensorimotor function in masticatory ability
K Hirano1, S Hirano, I Hayakawa
1Section of Complete Denture Prosthodontics, Department of Masticatory Function Rehabilitation, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. k.hirano.ore@tmd.ac.jp
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|March 18, 2004
Summary
Oral sensorimotor ability, measured by the oral stereognosis ability (OSA) test, showed a positive correlation with masticatory function. Specifically, OSA score was linked to better masticatory efficiency in dentate subjects.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Physiology
- Sensorimotor Function
Background:
- Masticatory function is crucial for food processing and overall health.
- Oral sensorimotor abilities, including tactile discrimination, are hypothesized to influence chewing.
- Understanding this relationship can inform interventions for chewing impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between oral sensorimotor ability and masticatory performance/efficiency.
- To determine if oral stereognosis ability (OSA) is associated with chewing function.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen dentate subjects underwent an oral stereognosis ability (OSA) test and masticatory function evaluation.
- OSA was assessed by blind identification of test pieces, yielding OSA score and response time.
- Masticatory performance and efficiency were measured using a peanut sieving method after 20 chewing strokes.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between OSA score and masticatory efficiency.
- No significant correlations were observed between other OSA variables (e.g., response time) and masticatory ability.
- These findings suggest a link between oral tactile sensitivity and chewing effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Oral sensorimotor function, particularly oral stereognosis, may play a role in modulating masticatory function.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking sensorimotor control to efficient chewing.