Mastication & Deglutition Overview

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Questions and Answers

What condition could result from a large volume of food or liquid being aspirated?

Dry mouth

Gastric reflux

Inflammation of the throat

Pneumonia (correct)

What psychological effect can dysphagia have on an individual during mealtimes?

Improved self-esteem

Enhanced social interaction

Increased appetite

Fear of choking (correct)

What dental issue may be exacerbated by the difficulties associated with dysphagia?

Teeth whitening

Canker sores

Gingivitis

Increased tartar buildup (correct)

How can malnutrition arise from dysphagia?

By leading to insufficient nutritional intake Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom associated with acid reflux due to dysphagia?

Burning pain in the epigastrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of mastication in the digestive process?

To begin the breakdown of food into smaller pieces Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are primarily involved in the process of mastication?

Teeth and tongue Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the masticatory cycle involves the closing of the mouth to chew food?

Closing Phase Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme in saliva begins the digestive process?

Amylase Signup and view all the answers

What disorder can significantly affect the normal process of deglutition?

Xerostomia Signup and view all the answers

What consideration should be taken in the dental management of patients with dysphagia?

Implementing hydration strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact on a patient's ability to eat if they are limited by muscle function during mastication?

They may experience difficulty in processing food properly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of saliva in the process of swallowing?

To form the food into a bolus Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for the bolus to travel from the oral cavity to the stomach?

7 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible sign of dysphagia?

Coughing when eating or drinking Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are involved in closing the openings during swallowing?

Oropharynx and nasopharynx Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the swallowing reflex?

Tactile receptors in the oropharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically associated with causing dysphagia?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

Which nerves are primarily involved in transmitting impulses to the swallow center?

Trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if there is a delay in the swallow reflex?

Material entering the airway Signup and view all the answers

How many skeletal muscles are involved in the swallowing process?

25 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can contribute to age-related dysphagia?

Cognitive decline Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with poorly positioning a patient during or after eating?

Aspiration risk Signup and view all the answers

What types of swallowing are recognized?

Automatic and voluntarily initiated Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the swallow center located in the brainstem?

To coordinate the swallowing process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes 'refluxed' material during swallowing?

Material returning from the stomach to the oesophagus Signup and view all the answers

What can reduced pharyngeal peristalsis lead to?

Material remaining in the pharynx Signup and view all the answers

Which component does the arousal of appetite stimulate during swallowing?

Saliva production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is related to muscle weakness affecting swallowing?

Parkinson’s disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about chewing food properly is correct?

It may not be possible for individuals with dysphagia. Signup and view all the answers

What might cause swelling of the mucosa in the throat?

Infection Signup and view all the answers

What role do the lips play in the swallowing process?

They help close the mouth to create intra-oral pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What structure rises to block off the nasopharynx during swallowing?

Soft palate Signup and view all the answers

During swallowing, what is the primary function of the hyoid bone?

To elevate the larynx Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of swallowing is initiated voluntarily?

Oral phase Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vocal cords during the swallowing process?

They close to protect the airway. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure relaxes to allow food to enter the oesophagus?

Cricoid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

In which phase does the actual propulsion of the bolus occur after the oral phase?

Pharyngeal phase Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for forming the bolus of food?

Tongue Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the epiglottis during swallowing?

It is lowered to protect the airway. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure supports the tongue and is associated with the muscles during swallowing?

Hyoid bone Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mastication, Deglutition & Dysphagia

This presentation covers the processes of chewing (mastication) and swallowing (deglutition), both in healthy and diseased states
Learning objectives include describing relevant anatomy and physiology, outlining structures involved, identifying related disorders, and understanding dental management of dysphagia patients.
Key related topics include muscles of mastication, tongue, saliva/salivation, palate, xerostomia, and regional anatomy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to describe the processes of mastication and deglutition, including the phases involved.
Students will be able to identify the structures involved in these processes.
Students will be able to list disorders affecting normal deglutition.
Students will be able to outline considerations for dental management of patients with dysphagia.

Mastication

This lecture segment discusses the act of chewing food.
Key structures involved in mastication include teeth, tongue, muscles of mastication, and lips.
Mastication is crucial for breaking down food, initiating digestion, and preparing food for swallowing.
Loss of function in any of these structures may affect the ability to chew and/or eat.
The masticatory cycle involves three phases: opening, closing and occlusal.

Deglutition [The Normal Swallow]

Swallowing, or deglutition, is a complex process.
The action of swallowing takes about 7 seconds.
Key structures involved in swallowing: lips, tongue, soft palate, epiglottis, larynx, esophagus, and the pharynx.
Swallowing involves two types of swallows: automatic/dry and voluntary/food and drink.
Swallowing is initiated by receptors in the oropharynx, and involves 25 skeletal muscles working together.

Swallowing Structures

The presentation lists the key structures involved in the swallow process, including details about each structure and its role
The bolus of food moves through the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus via coordinated muscular actions
Structures that form the pathway for food include the lips, soft palate and tongue
Other structures such as the larynx, epiglottis, and cricoid cartilage are involved with ensuring food goes down the correct pathway.

Swallowing Occurs in Three Phases

The swallowing process consists of the oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases.
The oral phase is voluntary and involves the manipulation of food into a bolus.
The pharyngeal phase is involuntary and moves the bolus into the esophagus.
The esophageal phase involves involuntary peristaltic waves transporting the bolus to the stomach.

Dysphagia [Swallowing Difficulties]

Dysphagia is the medical term for having difficulty swallowing.
Possible signs that a patient may be experiencing dysphagia (swallowing problems) include food going down the wrong way, coughing when eating, feeling food stuck in the throat, dribbling while eating, taking too long to swallow, and/or difficulty chewing food properly.
The primary cause of dysphagia is often a throat infection or inflammation that produces pain while swallowing.
Possible causes of dysphagia include stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, cleft palate, head and neck cancer, dementia, infections, drugs, and age-related changes.

Disorders of the Pharyngeal Stage

Delayed swallow reflex can allow food to enter the airway before the reflex has been triggered for the swallow
Reduced pharyngeal peristalsis can result in residue remaining potentially interfering with normal breathing

Disorders of the Esophageal Stage

Reduced peristalsis in the esophagus can cause food to reflux into the pharynx and potentially lead to aspiration.

Dental Management of Dysphagia

Reduced oral clearance, increased plaque/calculus deposits, and dry mouth can arise from dysphagia
Dental considerations for patients with dysphagia include patient assessment (medical history, extent of dysphagia, oral hygiene, diet, altered diet, OH difficulties), patient positioning (comfortable posture), treatment (careful use of water, fast handpieces), and preventative advice (non-foaming toothpastes, avoiding mouthwashes).

Additional Resources

Helpful resources and links to associated material regarding dysphagia are provided.
This could include additional information, videos, or articles to aid further study

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Description

This quiz explores the essential processes of chewing (mastication) and swallowing (deglutition) in both healthy and diseased contexts. It covers relevant anatomy, physiological phases, related disorders, and integrates dental management considerations for dysphagia. Engage with key topics like muscles involved and regional anatomy to deepen your understanding.