[A new method of evaluation of the masticatory function in humans].

A method is proposed to estimate mastication by three indices: chewing effect, chewing performance, chewing efficiency. Definitions are given for these terms. A new chewing test is described, permits studying the influence of the number of chewing strokes, chewing force and volume of test portion on the mastication using a group of 25 dentate persons aged 17-25 years with class I occlusion. A new approach to the estimation of chewing efficiency changes traditional views. A strong positive correlation is first found between chewing effect (A) and integrated bioelectrical activity (J) of chewing muscles with the constant number of chewing strokes. A relation between A and J is established when the number of chewing strokes increases.