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A simple method for evaluating masticatory performance using a color-changeable chewing gum.

PURPOSE
This study investigated the usefulness of a newly developed color-changeable chewing gum for evaluating masticatory performance.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
The color changes of the gum after chewing were measured using the L*a*b* color space defined by the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage with a spectrophotometer. Numerical scores and a color scale were developed to easily evaluate color change. Numerical scores were assigned corresponding to the degree of color change, and a color scale was made by using the numerical scores. Four examiners graded the gum chewed by 18 fully dentate subjects by using the color scale.


RESULTS
As the number of chews increased, the degree of color change increased significantly. The percentages of correct answers by examiners using the color scale method ranged from 67% to 83%.


CONCLUSION
The results indicate that this simple method may be used to quantitatively evaluate masticatory performance and may be reliable enough to be used clinically.