Ultrasonographic examination of how occlusal support is established by tongue movements during mastication

Mastication is achieved through the action of multiple organs working together, including the teeth, periodontal tissue, masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints, lips, cheeks, palate and tongue. In particular, the tongue plays a major role in the preparation phase of mastication, which includes the transport of food to the occlusal surfaces of molars and transferring the food bolus to the pharynx once it has been chewed. Loss of teeth not only reduces masticatory efficiency, but also affects tongue form. This indicates that the provision of suitable dentures for the edentulous portion of the alveolar ridge may affect bolus formation and transport by the tongue. In other words, when the dentures are grinding food, it becomes a barrier between the oral vestibule and oral cavity proper, as well as the natural dentition and the residual ridge, followed by additional help from the tongue in bolus formation. It is believed that this movement is programmed automatic movement by central pattern generator. However, if a state of partial or complete edentulism is left without prosthetic treatment, tongue function will be impaired. Observation of tongue movements during mastication has been studied using a variety of instruments. It has been suggested that these movements can be observed indirectly using a tongue pressure gauge Ultrasonographic examination of how occlusal support is established by tongue movements during mastication