Masticatory ability in experimentally induced xerostomia

Abstract

The masticatory ability of 15 nondysphagic volunteers with complete natural dentition was tested using different chewing parameters including preparation of a two-color plastic chewing gum (bolus shape, and color mixture), particle reduction of a piece of silicone, and number of strokes before swallow of almonds. The tests were performed under conditions of normal salivation and experimental oral dryness caused by intramuscular injection of methylscopolamine. The chewing gum tests as well as the silicone particle reduction tests were not influenced by lack of salivation. The number of chewing strokes prior to the initiation of swallowing of almonds was significantly increased. Oral dryness seems to cause accumulation of particles in the oral cavity from friable food and the particulate material is not transported posteriorly into a "ready-to-swallow" positioning. The absorption of saliva by dry oral content such as an almond further impaired oral manipulation of food.

Effect of hyposalivation on mastication and mandibular movements during speech

“…1 Measurements of the masticatory capacity of individuals after induction of hyposalivation/xerostomia by the administration of systemic anticholinergic drugs indicate decreased masticatory efficiency. 4,5 Data obtained from the present study did not support these findings, but were consistent with the results of Gomes et al, 25 who observed, in the same sample, no difference in masticatory efficiency between subjects with hyposalivation, subjects with normal salivary flow rate, and subjects with acute induced hypersalivation.…”

“…The different outcomes of these studies could be due to the difference between the samples analyzed: Liedberg and Öwall 4 and Ishijima et al 5 selected subjects who did not take any systemic drug for medical treatment and presented normal salivary flow rates. Drugs with strong xerostomic potential were administered moments before the chewing tests, which abruptly altered the salivary flow and masticatory capacity of the subjects.…”

“…3 Additionally, healthy patients submitted to xerostomia induction by the administration of systemic anticholinergic medications display compromised masticatory efficiencies, due to a lack of saliva after chewing natural foods or artificial material. 4,5 Saliva also plays an important role in speech; one report found that 48% of patients who complain about xerostomia also report difficulties with communication. 3 The expiratory air is modified into sound at the larynx.…”

New evidence of risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia: a population-based study

“…Oxygen therapy in the last year was selected as an independent risk factor in the multivariable analysis. Oxygen therapy may cause nasal and oropharyngeal dryness with difficulties in swallowing and favouring aspiration [21].…”

Contribution of the Cheeks to the Intraoral Manipulation of Food

“…Liedberg and Ö wall [11,12] described a simple test of oral function in which the degree of mixing in a bolus of chewing gum constructed from two contrasting colors was evaluated after ten chewing strokes. This test was modified by Prinz [8] who found that accuracy of subjective evaluation was enhanced if the bolus was flattened befoe evaluation.…”