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Jaw-movement smoothness during empty chewing and gum chewing.
Ichiro Minami1, Rahena Akhter, Julien Luraschi
1Jaw Function and Orofacial Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. minami.rpro@tmd.ac.jp
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|May 22, 2012
Summary
Chewing gum reduces movement smoothness, increasing jerk-cost during jaw motion. This effect extends beyond the initial bite, impacting the entire chewing cycle, unlike empty chewing.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Smooth movement is a key aspect of motor coordination.
- Jerk-cost, an inverse measure of movement smoothness, has been studied in gum chewing.
- The specific influence of the gum bolus on movement smoothness remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare jerk-cost during normal gum chewing versus empty chewing.
- To investigate the effect of the gum bolus on jaw movement smoothness.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen subjects participated in three conditions: empty chewing, gum chewing, and a second empty chewing session.
- Jerk-cost was quantified using an accelerometer attached to the chin (mentum).
Main Results:
- Empty chewing demonstrated significantly higher smoothness (lower jerk-cost, P < 0.05) during jaw opening and the latter half of closing compared to gum chewing.
- No significant differences in jerk-cost were observed between the initial and repeat empty chewing sequences.
Conclusions:
- The mechanical impact of tooth contact during chewing affects movement smoothness throughout the entire chewing cycle, not solely during the occlusal phase.
- Gum chewing significantly decreases jaw movement smoothness compared to empty chewing.
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