Determination of tongue pressure force: Experimental research

Aim: To identify the zones of maximum contact force (F, N) of the tongue at 100% and 125% tongue volume on areas of the oral cavity in an experimental study, and to conduct a comparative analysis of the contact force indicators.

Materials and Methods: 3D prototypes of the patient's upper and lower jaws were created. Measurements were carried out using a FlexiForce film force sensor and an Arduino Nano microcontroller module. This allowed recording of the contact force applied by the tongue.

Results: The maximum values of contact force were recorded in the following areas: the marginal gingiva on the lingual surface of the lower central incisors, the marginal gingiva on the palatal surface of the upper central incisors, the middle third on the lingual surface of the lower central incisors, and the middle third on the palatal surface of the upper central incisors. An increase in values was noted in all studied zones when the tongue volume increased to 125%.

Conclusions: A comparative analysis of tongue contact force indicators obtained during the experimental study demonstrated an increase in values when the tongue volume was enlarged to 125% in the areas of the oral cavity of the upper and lower jaws, compared with the actual tongue volume.