Descriptive analysis of the masticatory and salivary functions and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to better understand salivary and masticatory characteristics, this study evaluated the relationship among salivary parameters, bite force (BF), masticatory performance (MP) and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children. The secondary outcome was to evaluate possible gender differences.

Materials and methods: One hundred and sixteen eutrophic subjects aged 7–11 years old were evaluated, caries-free and with no definite need of orthodontic treatment. Salivary flow rate and pH, total protein (TP), alpha-amylase (AMY), calcium (CA) and phosphate (PHO) concentrations were determined in stimulated (SS) and unstimulated saliva (US). BF and MP were evaluated using digital gnathodynamometer and fractional sieving method, respectively. Gustatory sensitivity was determined by detecting the four primary tastes (sweet, salty, sour and bitter) in three different concentrations. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney/t-test, Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis, considering α = 0.05.

Results: Significant positive correlation between taste and age was observed. CA and PHO concentrations correlated negatively with salivary flow and pH; sweet taste scores correlated with AMY concentrations and bitter taste sensitivity correlated with US flow rate (p < 0.05). No significant difference between genders in salivary, masticatory characteristics and gustatory sensitivity was observed. The regression analysis showed a weak relationship between the distribution of chewed particles among the different sieves and BF.

Conclusions: The concentration of some analytes was influenced by salivary flow and pH. Age, saliva flow and AMY concentrations influenced gustatory sensitivity. In addition, salivary, masticatory and taste characteristics did not differ between genders, and only a weak relation between MP and BF was observed.

Keywords:

• Bite force
• mastication
• saliva
• taste perception

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Funding information

This study was supported by the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP, Brazil, grants: 2011/21952-4 and 2012/04492-2).

Notes on contributors

Maria Carolina Salomé Marquezin, DDS, MSc, is post-graduate student of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Campinas, Brazil.

Aline Pedroni-Pereira, DDS, MSc, is post-graduate student of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Campinas, Brazil.

Darlle Santos Araujo, DDS, MSc, is post-graduate student of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Campinas, Brazil.

João Vicente Rosar, DDS, MSc, is Professor of Orthodontics at University of Chapecó, Brazil.

Taís S. Barbosa, DDS, MSc, PhD, is Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Campinas, Postgraduate course of Odontology.

Paula Midori Castelo, DDS, MSc, PhD, is Professor of Physiology, Universidade Federal de SÈo Paulo (UNIFESP, Brazil). His research field is directed towards oral physiology, with expertise in: masticatory and salivary functions and oral health-related quality of life.