Intraoral Pressure Differences Between Patients with Dysphagia and Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study Using a Novel Intraoral Pressure Sensor

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Background: Intraoral pressure contributes significantly to bolus transport during swallowing, along with tongue and pharyngeal pressures. However, conventional assessment methods (e.g., manometry, tongue pressure measurement) have limitations, including invasiveness, difficulty in capturing pressure gradients, and reliance on cognitive function. Objective: This study aimed to examine differences in intraoral pressure between patients with dysphagia and healthy controls using a newly developed, noninvasive intraoral pressure sensor. Methods: Sixteen individuals with dysphagia were categorized into two groups based on the Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS): eight with mild dysphagia (DSS6-5) and eight with moderate dysphagia (DSS4-3). Seven healthy young adults (DSS7) were included as controls. Intraoral pressure was measured using a sensor enclosed in a silicone balloon placed in a standardized position. Three thickened liquids (mildly, moderately, and extremely thick) were tested, and intraoral pressure duration, peak pressure, and area were analyzed. Results: Pressure duration and area significantly increased with higher-viscosity samples in participants with dysphagia. Both parameters were significantly higher in the dysphagia groups than in controls (p < 0.001). For the extremely thick sample, pressure area was significantly greater in the mild dysphagia group than in controls (p = 0.031), and in the moderate group across all viscosities (p = 0.036; mildly thick, p = 0.010; moderately thick, p = 0.006; extremely thick, respectively). Conclusions: Intraoral pressure measurement may be a valuable supplementary screening tool, particularly for identifying moderate or more severe dysphagia.