Background/purpose Tongue pressure measurement conveys important information about eating and swallowing function. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument® (IOPI) and KAY Swallowing Workstation® are internationally used for tongue pressure measurement, but for legal reasons cannot be used in Japan; rather the JMS tongue pressure measurement device® has been approved for use in Japan. However, it is not clear whether measurement obtained with these devices are directly comparable. Materials and methods This study investigated the correlation between the maximum tongue pressure data measured by the IOPI and the JMS tongue pressure measurement device in young healthy participants (34 males; 23.2 ± 2.0 years old, and 40 females; 21.4 ± 1.3 years old). Results Measurements obtained with these two devices showed significant correlations in the total cohort, and in male and female participants, separately (P < 0.05). Conclusion These findings demonstrate that the measurements obtained with the JMS device is comparable to those obtained with the IOPI. In Japan, JMS tongue pressure measurement device is used not only in dysphagia research field, but also geriatrics field, and extensive and detailed investigations has been carried out.

Background/purpose To identify age-related changes in maximum tongue pressure (MTP), it is necessary to determine individual biological age. The fitness age score (FAS) is used to calculate the biological age, based on the one-leg standing time with eyes open, vertical jump height, grip strength, functional reach, and 10-m walk time. Materials and methods The study included 112 community-dwelling elderly adults (42 males and 70 females). We investigated MTP, FAS, and body mass index (BMI) at baseline and 5 years later. MTP was determined with a pressure measurement device. Results A significant reduction in MTP, FAS, and BMI in both male and female subjects was observed at 5 years. A negative correlation between change in MTP and baseline MTP was observed, but there was no correlation between MTP change and baseline FAS, BMI, and change in FAS and BMI. Conclusion Age-related decline in MTP might be associated with high MTP, reflecting decreased reserve. Additionally, age-related decline in tongue function might be different from that of physical function.

Background/purpose Although many studies have examined the efficacy of neck and trunk positioning during eating, few studies have examined how the positioning of the lower extremities affects swallowing function. The purpose of this study was to examine how tongue pressure, which is an important factor during swallowing, is affected by eating postures in bed and wheelchair. Materials and methods A total of 43 healthy adults (13 men and 30 women; 29.0 ± 5.9 years) and 33 elderly individuals requiring long-term care (14 men and 19 women; 83.6 ± 7.8 years) participated. In both healthy and elderly participants, tongue pressure was measured in four different postures: a good and poor postures in bed (postures 1 and 2, respectively), and a good and poor postures in a reclining wheelchair (posture 3 and 4, respectively). Results Among the healthy participants, the mean tongue pressure was significantly higher in posture 1 (40.2 ± 7.24 kPa) than in posture 2 (37.6 ± 8.68 kPa) or posture 4 (38.2 ± 8.14 kPa) (P < 0.05). Tongue pressure was also significantly higher in posture 3 (41.3 ± 7.75 kPa) than in either posture 2 or 4 (P < 0.05). Among the elderly participants, the median tongue pressure in posture 1 (16.9 kPa; interquartile range [IQR], 9.4–21.6 kPa) was significantly higher than that in posture 2 (14.1 kPa; IQR, 9.2–21.6 kPa). Tongue pressure in posture 3 (18.5 kPa; IQR, 14.2–26.0 kPa) was significantly higher than that in either posture 1 or 2, and posture 4 (15.9 kPa; IQR, 10.6–22.9 kPa). Conclusion Posture during eating can potentially affect tongue pressure.

Over 50% of the participants showed buccal mucosa ridging; this was significantly associated with higher cheek pressure, lower occlusal pressure, torus mandibularis, and tooth clenching and grinding.

Introduction: This pilot study compared the effect of tongue cleaning by using a tongue brush alone and the one of combined using a tongue brush and toothbrush. Materials and Methods: 20 healthy young men were studied. The effect of tongue cleaning was assessed according to the following three criteria, including a tongue coating index, H 2 S concentration and oral bacterial count. These criteria were applied after tooth brushing combined with tongue brushing and then compared with the data by using a tongue brush alone. To evaluate the need for ongoing combined oral cleaning, its effect was evaluated on the day after a 7-day cleaning regimen's completion, and we compared it and the data obtained on the day before the study. Results: After using a tongue brush alone, the tongue coating index improved and the oral bacterial count decreased (p < 0.05). After combined oral cleaning with both a tongue brush and toothbrush, significant improvements were revealed for the three criteria (p < 0.01).While, no significant difference was observed in the tongue coating index, H 2 S concentration, and oral bacterial count between on the first day before cleaning and on the next day after the 7-day cleaning regimen completion. Conclusion: This study indicated that oral cleaning by using a tongue brush alone resulted in a minimal decrease in the oral bacterial count, but significant improvement was achieved by combined use with a toothbrush. The results also suggested the necessity of daily combined use of a tongue brush and toothbrush for maintenance of a healthy oral cavity.