Influence of Palatal Plate on Tongue Pressure during Swallowing

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of covering the palate with a palatal plate on tongue pressure during swallowing.Methods: We investigated 21 subjects (12 males and 9 females; mean age: 25±2 years). Maximum voluntary tongue pressure and tongue pressure during swallowing were measured with and without the application of an experimental palatal plate. The subjects were asked to compress a pressure probe with a small balloon between the tongue and anterior area of the palate with maximum force, and the peak pressure recorded was regarded as the maximum voluntary tongue pressure. They were also asked to swallow a gelatin drink, and the maximum pressure recorded was regarded as tongue pressure during swallowing. Maximum voluntary tongue pressure and tongue pressure during swallowing recorded with and without the palatal plate were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with the paired-sample t- test. Perceived difficulty in swallowing with the palatal plate was evaluated using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS).Results: No significant difference was noted in maximum voluntary tongue pressure or tongue pressure during swallowing between with and without the palatal plate. The mean ± SD of the VAS score for difficulty in swallowing with the palatal plate was 49.3±26.5.Conclusion: Perceived difficulty in swallowing with a palatal plate showed wide individual variation. Covering the palate with a denture showed no effect on tongue pressure.