Influence of masticatory side switch frequency on chewing mixing ability and sensory perception in adults with healthy dentitions: A randomized crossover trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to determine the effect of varying the frequency of masticatory side switches on chewing mixing ability and sensory perception in dentate adults. Materials and Methods This non-blinded, randomized, twelve-period crossover study, conducted at Barcelona Dental school from January to March 2022, included 36 healthy adults with natural dentitions (median age, 23.5 years; 26 women). We randomly allocated participants to 12 sequences and performed 12 masticatory assays chewing a two-colored gum for 40 cycles each using the following masticatory styles as interventions: freestyle, unilateral right, unilateral left, and switching sides 5%, 15%, and 25%. The primary outcome was the Mixing Ability Index (MAI), defined as the standard deviation of the red channel intensity of the chewed gum in the Color-Histogram plugin of ImageJ. Participants also rated the perceived flavor intensity and salivary flow on a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results The MAI was similar for all masticatory styles (P = 0.63). Participants perceived greater flavor intensity (mean difference, 8%; 95%CI, 1–15%) and salivary flow (mean difference, 11%; 95%CI, 0–21%) with 25% side switching compared to freestyle or unilateral chewing. Conclusions Frequently switching the masticatory side while chewing gum does not alter the mixing ability, but it does seem to enhance salivary flow and flavor intensity. Clinical relevance In dentate adults, increasing the frequency of masticatory side switching to 25% does not impair mixing, but it may improve salivary production and flavor intensity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05173259