Tongue pressure distribution of individual normal occlusions and exploration of related factors.

backgroundTongue plays an important part in oral and maxillofacial system. Measurement of tongue pressure helps to evaluate the performance of tongue movement.

objectivesTo establish a system for measuring tongue pressure against hard palate and to preliminarily explore pressure distribution of individual normal occlusions and the relationship with dental arch form.

methodsA total of 19 volunteers of individual normal occlusions out of 189 dental students met inclusion criteria (nine males, ten females, aged 25.53 ± 0.96 years). A force-sensing resistor device was used to measure tongue pressure at rest and functional state (swallowing). We observed tongue pressure of four channel (anterior, posterior and lateral sides of hard palate) in sitting, supine position and swallowing. We analysed pressure differences according to gender and explored correlation relationship between tongue pressure and dental arch width and length using 3D digital maxillary image.

resultsIn rest, tongue pressure against hard palate increased from front to back in both sitting and supine position, without gender differences. When swallowing saliva, the pressure at lateral sides of females was found significantly higher than that of males. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed duration of swallowing was positively correlated with BMI and weight at posterior region and positively correlated with palatal length at anterior palate. The greater the dental arch width, the smaller the pressure of swallowing in the anterior and lateral region.

conclusionIn rest, there was consistent pressure of tongue against hard palate. The pressure increased significantly during swallowing, especially in females. Tongue pressure was related to dental arch length, width, BMI and weight.