Association between masticatory performance using a colour-changeable chewing gum and jaw movement

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Dental Science
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Masticatory performance is crucial for nutrient intake and overall health.
• Assessing masticatory performance traditionally involves subjective methods or complex equipment.
• Colour-changeable chewing gum offers a novel, objective method for evaluating chewing efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between masticatory performance, measured by colour-changeable chewing gum, and mandibular movements.
• To identify specific mandibular movement parameters that correlate with chewing efficiency.

Main Methods:

• 45 fully dentate adults chewed a colour-changeable gum for varying numbers of strokes (20-160).
• Gum colour change (ΔE) was measured using a colorimeter to determine masticatory performance (ΔE60).
• Mandibular movements were recorded using an opto-electric system, analyzing 12 parameters of amplitude, duration, velocity, and angle.

Main Results:

• Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed maximum closing velocity and closing angle as significant predictors of masticatory performance (ΔE60).
• These two parameters accounted for 18% of the variation in ΔE60.
• Lower angles of approach to intercuspation and faster closing speeds were associated with greater colour change in the gum.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular movement parameters, specifically closing velocity and angle, are linked to masticatory performance as assessed by colour-changeable gum.
• This objective method provides insights into the biomechanics of chewing.
• Faster jaw closing and more direct jaw paths correlate with improved chewing efficiency as indicated by gum colour change.