Lip and Tongue Pressure and the Functionality of Oro-Facial Structures in Healthy Individuals.

BackgroundWith the ageing process changes in the musculature of oro-facial structures take place, consequently there is a reduction in the strength and mobility of the lips, tongue and cheeks. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to correlate oro-facial structures and chewing and swallowing functions among a group of senior citizens and young adults and check the influence of lip and tongue pressure of these functions. MethodsThis is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. Thirty seniors with an average age of 67.13 years and 30 young adults with an average age of 22.03 years participated in the study. The Oro-facial Myofunctional Assessment Protocol with Scores for the Elderly and the Oro-facial Myofunctional Assessment Protocol with Expanded Scores were also used. The evaluation of the force of pressure of the lips and tip and dorsum of the tongue was carried out using the Biofeedback device Pro-Fono: Lip and Tongue Pressure. ResultsYoung adults had a higher evaluation score for the aspect/posture of the face, cheeks, lips, mentalis muscle, tongue, mobility of lips, tongue, jaw and cheeks, chewing and swallowing functions, total time and chewing strokes, and tip pressure and dorsum of tongue. According to the Structural Equation Modelling, a direct relationship was found between the tongue dorsum pressure force and the swallowing function. ConclusionWith healthy ageing changes occurring in the appearance, posture and mobility of the lips, tongue, jaw and cheeks, with the seniors and reduced performance of chewing and swallowing functions.