Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 1

Abstract

Background:  Clinical practice of dentistry is primarily aimed at restoring and maintaining the masticatory function. In general, masticatory function is evaluated by analyses of the occlusal force, masticatory performance, masseter muscular activity, masticatory movement, etc. Aim of the study: To study the relationship between masticatory performance using a gummy jelly and masticatory movement.  Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Dental institute. Prior to commencement of the study, ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical board of the institute. An informed written consent was obtained from the participants after explaining them verbally about the protocol of the study. For the study, fifty male subjects were selected for the study. Test food that was included in the study was cylindrically shaped gummy jelly containing glucose. Subjects were asked to chew the glucose the glucose containing gummy jelly for 15 seconds on their habitual chewing side. After chewing, the subjects were asked to hold 10 ml of distilled water in their mouth for a moment and to spit into a cup with a filter.  Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. We observed that mean value for masticatory performance 176.21 mg/dl. Mean opening distance was 17.65 mm. Mean masticatory width was 3.31 mm. Mean opening time was 181.3 ms and mean closing time was 185.65 ms. Mean  value for stability of path was 9.41 and for stability of rhythm was 24.21.  Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that there is a close relation between masticatory performance and masticatory movement, and that the masticatory performance could be increased by rhythmic, rapid and stable mastication with a large opening distance.

Keywords: Gummy jelly, mastication, masticatory movements.