Factors associated with masticatory performance and swallowing threshold according to dental formula development.

Objective: The aims of the present study were to the determine changes in, and factors related to, masticatory performance and swallowing threshold according to dental formula development.

Methods: A total of 120 subjects, ranging in age from 4 to 19, and 21 to 29 years, were included in the present study. Grip strength and maximum occlusal force were measured in all subjects. Masticatory performance and swallowing threshold (including the number of chewing cycles and chewing time), were determined according to the concentration of dissolved glucose obtained from gummy jellies. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess mental health status in participants 21 to 29 years of age.

Results: In the primary dentition, masticatory performance and glucose concentration before swallowing were the lowest in all dentition groups. Masticatory performance was the highest in subjects 21-29 years of age. In children with mixed and permanent dentition, glucose concentration levels before swallowing were similar to those in individuals aged 21-29 years. Multiple regression analysis revealed that maximum occlusal force was significantly and positively correlated with glucose concentration before swallowing in children, and the GHQ-12 score was significantly and negatively correlated with glucose concentration before swallowing in young adults.

Conclusions: Changes in swallowing threshold did not coincide with masticatory performance according to dental formula stage. Maximum occlusal force was the variable most strongly associated with swallowing threshold in children, while in young adults, better mental health status was closely associated with a higher swallowing threshold.