Effect of wearing a palatal plate on swallowing function

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wearing a palatal plate on swallowing function.MethodsThe subject group consisted of 10 healthy, fully dentate males. Two experimental palatal plates (EPP) were used in this study: one was 1.4 mm thick (EPP1), and the other was 2.8 mm thick (EPP2). Tongue movements and swallowing sounds were simultaneously recorded. The position of the surface of the tongue was recorded by using ultrasound diagnostic equipment in the sagittal plane. Swallowing tests were performed under three conditions: without EPP (WOE), with EPP1 (WP1), and with EPP2 (WP2). Swallowing index (SI) and tongue contact time (TCT) was calculated.ResultsThe value of SI was lowest under WOE, and highest under WP2, with a statistically significant difference. There was no statistical significance, however, between SI under WOE and that under WP1. The value of TCT was longest under WOE, and shortest under WP2, with a statistically significant difference.ConclusionsThis investigation suggests that the thickness of a palatal plate influences SI and TCT, which correlate with swallowing function.