Relationship Between Chewing Rate and Masticatory Performance

Abstract

The influence of mandibular movement timing on food breakdown remains unclear. The authors, therefore, sought to relate chewing rate with masticatory performance. Chewing rate, defined as the number of masticatory cycles habitually achieved per minute, was measured in 55 healthy dentulous subjects (age, 22.2±5.0 years). Subjects were grouped according to obtained values (cycles/minute): slower: <70; middle: 70-90; and faster: >90. Masticatory performance was determined through the sieve method, and the estimated comminuted median particle size (X₅₀). Data was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests (α=.05). Subjects with slower chewing rates showed higher (p<.05) masticatory performance (X₅₀ = 3.05±0.77 mm). X₅₀ was associated with chewing rate when subjects were categorized as better or poorer performers (chi-square=11.25, p<.005). Thus, chewing rate was related to masticatory performance, with smaller food particles being achieved with a slower chewing rate.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alfonso Sánchez-Ayala

Dr. Alfonso Sánchez-Ayala received his D.D.S. degree from the Stomatology School, Peruvian University of Cayetano Heredia in 2004, and his M.Sc. degree in dentistry in 2008 at the Dental School, State University of Ponta Grossa, Brazil. In 2012, he received his Ph.D. degree in prosthodontics at the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Brazil. In the same year, he obtained a Specialization in prosthodontics from the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry. At present, he is a professor in occlusion and prosthodontics at the State University of Ponta Grossa.

Arcelino Farias-Neto

Dr. Arcelino Farias-Neto received his D.D.S. degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in 2005 and his M.Sc. degree in prosthodontics and periodontology in 2009 at the same university. He obtained a prosthodontics Specialist diploma in 2007 at the Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2011, he received his Ph.D. degree in prosthodontics at the Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Brazil. At present, he is a professor in prosthodontics at Potiguar University, Brazil.

Nara Hellen Campanha

Dr. Nara Hellen Campanha Bombarda is a professor in the Department of Dentistry at the State University of Ponta Grossa, Brazil. Since receiving her Ph.D. degree in oral rehabilitation in 2005 at the Paulista State University, Brazil, she has been a researcher of dental materials applied in prosthodontics.

Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia

Dr. Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia is a professor in the Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology at Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Brazil. Since receiving her Ph.D. degree in prosthodontics in 1995 at the same university, she has been involved in clinical research. In 1997, she took post doctoral training in craniomandibular disorders at the University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio.