New research has looked at creating an artificial mouth which can be used to aid the understanding of the processing of soft foods in the mouth. This is an important topic, as it is highly relevant for those with issues like salivation or swallowing. Having food tailored to those struggling with such problems is crucial for their health and wellbeing.
Recent research has led to the creation of an artificial mouth, with the aim of reproducing and better understanding the processing of soft foods by the mouth [1].
This topic is important for those with swallowing or salivation issues, as the research will help scientists with their understanding of the challenges facing these people.
One of the challenges facing the food and beverage industry is catering to people with swallowing or salvation problems. But this research could help to improve this.
Background
As discussed, a challenge facing the food and beverage industry involves being able to offer innovative products while meeting the needs of populations with issues like problems with salivation and swallowing.
Salivation problems refer to problems with the salivary glands, which impact our saliva. Saliva is crucial to our oral health – so when this is impacted, it can have negative consequences.
Infections, tumors, and dry mouth are all examples of causes of salivation problems. Salivation problems tend to become more common as we age [2].
Swallowing issues are also more prevalent as we age. This involves problems with swallowing food or drink. It also coexists alongside chewing or jaw problems.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment in conjunction with Fujita Health University in Japan. Subsequently, their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].
The team sought to create an artificial mouth that could help them to better understand the processing of soft foods. Current models have struggled to reproduce the intricacies of the mouth and tongue.
Therefore, this has limited the effectiveness of past research into developing food that can meet the needs of those with health complications [1].
The team in Japan collected anatomical data for the study. This helped the researchers to craft a tongue that has helped to form this research.
The model features a silicone tongue which contracts using compressed air – which mimics the movements of a human tongue [1]. The silicone material allowed the team to reproduce the elasticity, wettability and roughness of the human tongue [1].
To test out the tongue, the team tested it with three different types of soft foods. These were cream dessert, a chocolate mousse and a chocolate fondant [1].
Similarly, a human mouth was also used to try the three soft foods, with the team looking to see how food boli (the mixture of food and saliva that forms during chewing) compared between the two [1].
The researchers simulated the consumption of the soft foods, and then compared the food boli with that of the human mouth [1]. The results showed a remarkable similarity between the two.
Specifically, the researchers noted that the firmness, adhesive, cohesive properties and viscosity of the food boli was very similar for both cases [1].
Therefore, this outcome underlined how lifelike the artificial mouth is, with the researchers delighted with the outcome of their research.
Summary
The creation of the artificial mouth could have a significant impact on multiple industries. In the food and beverage industry, scientists will be able to understand more about how soft foods impact aging mouths.
Meanwhile, it is also useful for oral health. Scientists will have access to an artificial mouth, which could open up new avenues of research opportunities.
Further research on the artificial mouth is planned. For example, there will be a focus in future research on including mastication in subsequent designs [1].
Overall, these findings are very useful for multiple fields. In oral health, the artificial mouth has the potential to help many ongoing and prospective studies, which should hopefully contribute towards improved oral health.
Thinking points…
1) This research underlines the complexity of the mouth. With this in mind, it is important to get your mouth examined on a regular basis. We recommend attending dental check-ups once every six months, as these provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up now!
2) This article mentions the human tongue. The tongue is a very important part of the mouth, and brushing it should form a key part of your oral health routine. It can remove harmful bacteria and keep your breath fresh. If you do not yet brush your tongue, we recommend adding this to your oral health routine right away!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign[TM]! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Avila-Sierra, A., Bugarin-Castillo, Y., Glumac, M., Bussiere, J., Saint-Eve, A., Mathieu, V., Kobayashi, Y., & Ramaioli, M. (2024). A first-of-its-kind 3D biomimetic artificial mouth capable of reproducing the oral processing of soft foods. Scientific Reports. 14 (22908). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73629-9.
[2] Astor, F. C., Hanft, K. L., & Ciocon, J. O. (1999). Xerostomia: a prevalent condition in the elderly. Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal. 78 (7): p476-479. PMID: 10429321.
