Masticatory function improves children’s health and development
Various efforts have been implemented in healthcare and education for acquisition of adequate masticatory function in children since masticatory function has been believed to be beneficial to children’s health and development. However, the effects of masticatory functions have not been demonstrated and the outcomes of implementations are difficult to evaluate quantitatively.
In this study, we establish the database of masticatory function along with craniofacial morphology and brain functions in developing children for elucidating metrics of masticatory functions. Then, we elucidate a physiological roles of masticatory functions on children’s health and development and find out the objective outcomes. Based on them, we develop a new management strategy for promoting dietary/chewing education.
Project Leader： Takafumi Kato, D.D.S., Ph.D., Professor, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Physiology