Evaluation of Oral Stereognosis in Dentate and Edentulous Subjects with and without Cleft Lip and Palate Before and After Chewing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in oral stereognosis ability between dentate individuals and denture wearers with and without cleft lip and palate before and after chewing. Fifty subjects were divided into three groups : Group 1 was 20 dentate subjects (ages between 21-49 years), Group 2 was 20 denture wearers without cleft lip and palate (ages between 42-70 years), and Group 3 was 10 denture wearers with cleft lip and palate (ages between 24-60 years). All complete dentures had a mean use time of three months, good retention, clinical stability, and supporting tissues with no signs of inflammation. The subjects were asked to recognize six different test pieces. Pieces were inserted and manipulated between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors, before and after chewing a slice of raw carrot. Only correct responses received one point. Data analysis on oral stereognosis levels before and after chewing was conducted with statistical software, with a level of significance of p<0.05. Statistically significant differences in the oral stereognosis levels were observed before and after chewing only in the dentate group. Oral stereognosis levels of dentate subjects were higher than those observed in edentulous subjects. Oral stereognosis levels of denture wearers with cleft lip and palate were lower than those observed in edentulous subjects without clefts ; chewing did not influence the oral stereognosis levels in edentulous patients. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of repeated chewing on the oral stereognosis levels.