Abstract
The mixture level of gum samples consisting of two colours can be assessed visually, using the electronic colorimetric method, employing digital image processing techniques and specially designed software. The study investigates the possibility of an alternative method called "digital texture image analysis" (DTIA) to assess improvement of masticatory efficiency in denture wearers. The objectives were i) to evaluate whether DTIA discriminates changes in the colour mixing ability within a group over time; ii) to determine whether DTIA can be used to detect improvement in chewing ability; iii) to select the most appropriate DTIA feature that sufficiently describes masticatory efficiency in CDs wearers. The study was designed as an intra-individual evaluation of masticatory efficiency, which was assessed in participants with new dentures in three follow-up times. A set of four texture features was used in the current study. Uniformity, Contrast, Homogeneity and Entropy of the obtained chewing-gum samples were correlated to the degree of gum comminution. A statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency was observed based on the values of the analysed DTIA variables of gum samples-Uniformity, Contrast, Homogeneity, and Entropy-have changed in the participants during the observation period. The improvement of the masticatory function in relation to the mixing ability of two-coloured chewing gum could be traced by monitoring changes in the values of DTIA variables. The most increasement of masticatory efficiency was observed by monitoring DTIA parameters such as contrast, and homogeneity.
Highlights
It is indisputable that tooth loss and edentulism have an impact on masticatory function and a consequent influence on the nutritional status [1,2,3]
The study was designed as a prospective intra-individual cohort investigation of masticatory efficiency in edentulous subjects with new complete dentures (CDs) lasting over 6 months
Accepting the discussed weakness of the study, it may be presumed that digital texture image analysis” (DTIA) can be considered a reliable tool for assessing changes in the masticatory efficiency through mixing behavior of two-coloured chewing gum samples
Summary
It is indisputable that tooth loss and edentulism have an impact on masticatory function and a consequent influence on the nutritional status [1,2,3]. The prevalence of edentulism has fallen markedly in industrialised countries [4, 5], tooth loss is among the main conditions. Digital texture image analysis in masticatory efficiency evaluation
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