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

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.