Relationship between texture perception and oral function: A preliminary study in young, healthy adults

Area of Science:

• Oral physiology
• Sensory science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Oral frailty in older adults is linked to systemic health issues.
• Diminished oral function criteria often overlook texture perception's role in eating.
• Texture perception significantly impacts food intake and palatability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between thickness discrimination ability (TDA) and oral motor/secretory functions.
• To assess TDA in healthy young adults and its correlation with oral functions.

Main Methods:

• Assessed TDA using xanthan gum solutions in 28 adults.
• Measured occlusal force, masticatory performance, tongue pressure, salivary flow, and tongue-lip motor function.
• Used Spearman's correlation and group comparisons (high vs. low TDA sensitivity).

Main Results:

• Higher TDA scores correlated with better masticatory performance (r=0.41, p<0.05).
• High-sensitivity TDA group showed significantly higher masticatory performance than the low-sensitivity group (211.9 vs. 157.9 mg/dL, p=0.013).
• No significant differences were found in other tested oral functions.

Conclusions:

• Masticatory performance is associated with thickness discrimination ability.
• Findings suggest a connection between mastication's selection function and texture perception.
• Further research is needed, especially for older adults with declining oral health.