Factor Associated with Temporal Change in the Mastication Ability of Students in Athletic Clubs

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of temporal trends in the mastication ability of children in their growth period and to clarify associated physical conditions, dietary intake, and physical fitness. The subjects were 34 junior high school and high school students. The amount of eluted sugar in chewing gum was used as an index to assess the mastication ability. For the boys, mastication ability positively correlated with height, weight, skeletal muscle mass, bone mass and lean body mass, breakfast, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, dietary fiber, grip strength and sit-up rate. In contrast, it negatively correlated with energy from morning snacks and reaction time. The results showed that better physical condition, regular breakfast eating, and greater muscle strength and agility increased the mastication ability. On the other hand, snacking lowered mastication ability. Individual differences in the mastication ability of girls were small and, therefore, no significant relationships were observed.