Chewing Index: A Pilot Trial to Measure Masticatory Effort.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Science

Background:

• Population aging necessitates strategies for healthy aging.
• Edentulism significantly impacts quality of life and masticatory function.
• Previous research explored edentulism's effects on food bolus and chewing processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel chewing index (Ci).
• To quantify masticatory performance based on chewing time, cycle count, and muscle activity.
• To compare chewing efficiency between individuals with functional dentition and complete denture wearers.

Main Methods:

• Two groups (n=10 each, 60-80 years) were studied: functional dentition (Group F) and complete denture wearers (Group D).
• Participants chewed 36 food samples while recording chewing cycles (N), time (T), and masseter/temporal muscle activity.
• A chewing index (Ci) was calculated using N, T, and normalized muscle activity (V%¯) relative to maximum voluntary clenching (TMAV).

Main Results:

• Chewing index (Ci) values were higher for Group D (0-262) than Group F (0-62).
• Fifteen out of 36 food samples showed a higher Ci in Group D compared to Group F.
• Complete denture wearers demonstrated lower chewing efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Complete denture wearers require longer chewing times and more cycles than individuals with functional dentition.
• The developed chewing index (Ci) effectively differentiates masticatory performance.
• Findings underscore the challenges in masticatory function associated with edentulism.