Bolus size for the evaluation of masticatory performance in 8-10-year-old children: a pilot study

Objective: To study bolus-size of different foods in 8- to 10-year-olds and appraise if 1.7-2 g of condensation silicone (Optosil (R)) is an adequate size to study masticatory performance in children.Methods: Bolus-size of seven foods (carrot, almonds, sausage, banana, cookie, gummy bears, raisins) (placed in random order on a scale) was studied in 20 children, aged 8-10 years. Children picked up the amount they would normally take of each, and chewed and swallowed it (three repetitions/each). Statistical analysis: Descriptive; comparisons with ad hoc tests. Results: There are no gender differences in bolus-size. Bolus-size was constant but different for each food.There is no pattern of bolus-size depending on hardness. Bolus-size was largest for banana; smallest foralmonds. Bite-size for carrot (food most similar to Optosil (R)) is 2.6 times larger than the size used for Optosil (R). Discussion: The results support using this bolus-size of the artificial-test-food to further study masticatory function in children.