Development of Function in Mastication
D. J. ANDERSON 1
1 Physiological Laboratory, Guy's Hospital, London, England
Quantitative studies of masticatory function have been reported in the literature in which measurements are made of the particle size of selected food materials achieved under standard chewing conditions. In one of these studies, masticatory efficiency has
been shown to fall during adolescence. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed in the light of evidence available on occlusal contact area, interdental forces, and tooth eruption.
