Evaluation of masticatory function after maxillectomy using a colour‐changing chewing gum

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the masticatory dysfunction after maxillectomy using a colour-changing chewing gum. Thirty-nine patients who underwent maxillectomy between January 2002 and May 2010 in the Department of Kobe University Hospital were recruited for this study. There were 20 male and 19 female subjects, with a median age of 73·3 years (range of 44-90) at the time of surgery. The intra-oral conditions after maxillectomy were classified by HS classification, and the masticatory function was evaluated by a colour-changing chewing gum and the results of a modified Sato's questionnaire. The scores of the colour-changing gum were closely correlated with the scores of the modified Sato's questionnaire (r = 0·661, P < 0·01). A logistic regression analysis with the outcome variable of the gum test <4 demonstrated that significant predictors for the masticatory dysfunction were the number of anchor teeth ≤2 and a soft palate defect. A colour-changing gum was found to be useful for evaluating the post-operative masticatory function, and it was important to conserve the anchor teeth and the soft palate to avoid masticatory dysfunction.

Evaluation of swallowing ability using swallowing sounds in maxillectomy patients

“…In patients with maxillary tumour, local and regional tumour spread is controlled with maxillary and palatal resection, but this sometimes leaves an open communication between the oral and nasal cavities. As a result, patients with maxillary defects have various functional disorders, affecting chewing, speech and swallowing especially . Typically, an obturator prosthesis is used to cover areas of the palate to both improve aesthetics and enhance oral function, as well as contribute to improved QOL …”

“…As a result, patients with maxillary defects have various functional disorders, affecting chewing, speech and swallowing especially. [4][5][6][7][8] Typically, an obturator prosthesis is used to cover areas of the palate to both improve aesthetics and enhance oral function, as well as contribute to improved QOL. [9][10][11] Assessment of oral function in maxillectomy patients is necessary to identify the most suitable treatment.…”

“…[9][10][11] Assessment of oral function in maxillectomy patients is necessary to identify the most suitable treatment. Although several reports have described evaluation of masticatory and speech function, [6][7][8] few studies have evaluated swallowing function in maxillectomy patients. 4,5 Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and videoendoscopic swallowing study (VESS) are highly reliable methods for diagnosing and evaluating dysphagia.…”

Evaluation of articulation simulation system using artificial maxillectomy models

“…Maxillectomy patients have severe functional disabilities that strongly influence their health and quality of life (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Among these dysfunctions, speech is highly affected by maxillectomy defects (1,2).…”

Evaluating the masticatory function after mandibulectomy with colour‐changing chewing gum

“…When the gum colour was measured by a colorimeter, there were significant correlations between the a* values and the score of satisfaction questionnaires or food questionnaire in the subjects wearing complete dentures . The gum becomes totally red if a healthy dentate volunteer chews 160 stroke times , while various colours are observed within the same surface if a patient chews after a maxillectomy . This unequal distribution is thought to be due to damage to the mixing ability.…”