Effects of tongue lesions and palatal coverage on oral sensory functions

Ana Paula Gadonski; Talita Malini Carletti; Mariana Marinho Davino de Medeiros; Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia

doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.05.011

Effects of tongue lesions and palatal coverage on oral sensory functions

J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Jun 23:S0022-3913(23)00341-4. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.05.011. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Ana Paula Gadonski¹, Talita Malini Carletti¹, Mariana Marinho Davino de Medeiros¹, Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Garcia²

Affiliations

¹ Graduate student, Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
² Professor, Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: regarcia@fop.unicamp.br.

PMID: 37357083
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.05.011

Abstract

Statement of problem: Oral stereognosis (OS) plays a significant role in the oral rehabilitation of patients with edentulism, as it influences their adaptation to new prostheses. Because of the essentially tactile characteristic of oral sensory perception, the tongue and palate appear to have a crucial function in OS. However, little is known about the influence of tongue lesions on OS and sensorial function. In addition, controversies remain regarding the role of the palate.

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate whether tongue lesions and palatal coverage are disruptive to OS and gustatory function.

Material and methods: Seventy participants (mean age=30.7 ±6.7 years) were divided into a tongue lesion group (experimental; n=35) and a control group (n=35). The tongue lesion group included participants with geographic, fissured, or hairy tongue. OS was evaluated with the oral stereognosis ability (OSA) test. Gustatory function was assessed with exposure to flavored solutions. After completing the above tests, the participants received a palate covering device, and then OS and gustatory function were immediately reevaluated. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests (α=.05).

Results: OSA and gustatory function scores did not differ among the tongue lesion and control groups with and without palatal coverage (all P>.05). After palatal coverage, the tongue lesion group took more time to perform the OSA test than the control group (P<.05).

Conclusions: Neither the presence of tongue lesions nor palatal coverage influenced OS or gustatory function. The OSA test response times were longer for the tongue lesion group after they had received palatal coverage.