Summary Aim: In this study, we conducted a dietary assessment of the subjects and investigated the relationship of energy, nutrients and food intake to the indices of masticatory ability and masticatory behavior for identifying the differences in their association with dietary patterns. Methods: The subjects were 61 5-y-old children, of whom 45 were included in the final analysis. Occlusal force was measured as an index of masticatory ability. To measure masticatory behavior, the number of chews and time taken for eating the test meal were measured. The subjects' food intake was determined by a food record completed by their guardians. The food intake was evaluated using a newly produced list of 90 foods thought to affect chewing, in addition to which we made two subsets of its food groups containing an abundance of insoluble dietary fiber. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between occlusal force and intake of dietary fibers, vegetables, set A food group, and set B food group ( r ϭ 0.312-0.354). Significant differences were found in occlusal force by tertile groups for dietary fibers, vegetables, the 90 listed items, set A food group, and set B food group. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between the indices of masticatory behavior (the time-adjusted number of chews and time taken for eating the test meal) and those of dietary intake. Conclusion: Indicators of masticatory ability and masticatory behavior have different implications in their association with dietary patterns in children. Key Words dietary patterns, food intake, occlusal force, masticatory ability, masticatory behavior Indicators for masticatory variation are divided into two broad classes: masticatory ability and masticatory behavior. Masticatory ability is a physiological capacity, while masticatory behavior is shown by intended or unintended actions. We previously reported ( 1 ) that the physical status of children and the influence of their guardians have a significant association with masticatory behavior but have no apparent association with masticatory ability. Hence, indices of masticatory ability and masticatory behavior should be used for evaluation with sufficient consideration of their differences.Currently, however, the differences in the characteristics "can't chew" ( ϭ ability) and "won't chew" ( ϭ behavior) have not been well identified. In this study, we conducted a dietary assessment of the subjects and investigated the relationship of daily energy, nutrients, and food intake to indices of masticatory ability and masticatory behavior. We finally identified the differences in their association with dietary patterns.
MethodsSubjects and setting. The subjects of this study were 61 5-y-old children from two kindergartens in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. We recruited 5-y-old children for the following reasons: 1. their baby molar tooth eruptions would be complete; 2. the measurements would not be affected by the lack of baby teeth; and 3. the subjects could understand the meaning of the me...
