Feedback control during mastication of solid food textures—a clinical-experimental study

• Published in: The Journal of prosthetic dentistry Vol. 80; no. 3; pp. 330 - 336
• Main Authors: Schindler, Hans J., Stengel, Eckehard, Spiess, Walter E.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.09.1998
• Subjects: Adult; Dentistry; Electromyography; Feedback; Female; Food; Humans; Male; Mastication - physiology; Masticatory Muscles - physiology; Mechanoreceptors - physiology; Middle Aged; Periodontal Ligament - innervation; Periodontal Ligament - physiology; Proprioception; Temporomandibular Joint - physiology; Tongue - physiology
• ISSN: 0022-3913; 1097-6841
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3913(98)70134-9

Statement of problem. On the basis of animal experiments, it has been hypothesized that the dynamics of food reduction are controlled by peripheral receptors. Studies on this subject in human beings are rare. Purpose. This study investigated the influence of periodontal and joint proprioceptors on mastication in human beings. Material and methods. Both jaw joints and the chewing-side teeth were consecutively anesthetized in a 6-person panel by chewing wine gum. The effects on the kinematics, chewing force, and electromyographic activity were measured. Results. The results substantiate a positive feedback of periodontal receptors for chewing force control. A substantial influence of joint receptors on movement control could not be found. Conclusion. Despite the absence of proprioception in both jaw joints and the periodontal receptors in the chewing side, the characteristics of the measured kinematic and dynamic values remained essentially unchanged. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;80:330-6.)