Estimation of force acting on oral cavity during swallowing using tongue simulator

The majority of studies on mastication movements have focused on chewing movements. In recent years, however, it has come to be thought that tongue action also plays a very important role in masticatory movements. As the aging process reduces the function of the tongue, it causes aspiration and increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. The tongue has a significant influence on the cause of aspiration. Therefore, it is important to understand the movement of the tongue and the movement of the food mass in the mouth. In our study, we developed a device that simulates tongue movement. This device is used to investigate the relationship between food and the tongue.