In 24 hours and with just 3 appointments, YOU will smile again
Full arch in 24 hours
Payments in installments and financeable
Lifetime warranty on all our systems 

The role of the tongue in correct swallowing

the role of language

The role of the tongue is fundamental for a correct chewing function and for swallowing. The position of the tongue inside the oral cavity also conditions the alignment between the dental arches and determines a correct occlusion.

Chewing function, alignment of the dental arches and the temporomandibular system are essential elements for the health and well-being of the organism.

Function of the tongue in swallowing

dental caries fluoride varnish

The tongue has the task of carrying the bolus in the pharyngeal phase, also exerting the correct pressure during the entire swallowing phase. In exercising this function, the tongue carries out a sequence of complex movements of the internal and external muscles.

Understanding if the language is working properly is not easy and cannot be observed with the naked eye. To observe the complex movements of the tongue, specific diagnostic tests are necessary, those used so far to evaluate the role of the tongue in swallowing are: fluoroscopy and ultrasound.

Fluoroscopy, despite being a specific exam, requires direct exposure of the patient to radiation, while ultrasound can only monitor part of all the complex movements that the tongue makes. In both cases, however, these are two-dimensional images that do not clarify with certainty what the role of the tongue is in each phase of swallowing.

Role of the tongue in swallowing: electromagnetic articolography

Electromagnetic articulation is a recently adopted diagnostic test to assess the role of the tongue during swallowing and can provide detailed information in a non-invasive way.
In a study, published in the November 2021 Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, researchers analyzed the movements and pressure of the tongue depending on the volume of the bolus when swallowing.

Sixteen healthy volunteers aged between 29 and 33 were included in the sample, 12 of which were men and 4 women.

The sixteen volunteers underwent electromagnetic articulation to evaluate the movement and role of the tongue during the swallowing phase. The sample was asked to swallow 3ml and 10ml of water.

problems swallowing

The measurement was carried out on the movement, the trajectory, the speed, the displacement of the tongue on the vertical axis in the phase preceding the contact with the hard palate.

The results of the research


Tongue rotation was significantly greater when swallowing 3 mL of water than when swallowing 10 mL.

The rotational speed of the back of the tongue was significantly greater than that of the front. Maximum velocity and vertical displacement were significantly greater when swallowing 10 mL of water than when swallowing 3 mL of water.

There was no significant difference either in the intensity of tongue pressure or in the maximum duration of lingual pressure between the two groups.

In conclusion, it was found that the volume of the bolus influences the way the tongue moves but not the pressure of the tongue.
Electromagnetic articulation is a valid diagnostic test to monitor the role of the tongue in swallowing.

Lascia un commento

Potrebbero interessarti

Dental Implantology: Complete Guide to a Perfect Smile

Dental implantology is the revolutionary solution for those seeking a complete and long-lasting smile. Let’s explore the details together, from the process to its countless …

Leggi l'articolo →

Healthy Teeth: Your Smile of Confidence

The importance of dental care for a smile that is always at the top Your teeth are a crucial aspect of your health and the …

Leggi l'articolo →
periodontitis, plaque and tartar

Periodontitis: an infection to avoid! How much do you know about it?

Periodontitis or pyorrhea is an infection which, if neglected, causes irreversible damage. Bacteria, during meals, can attach to our teeth as a result the only …

Leggi l'articolo →
Visita gratuita

Prenota la tua prima visita gratuita!

Scopri quali sono le problematiche della tua bocca e come possiamo aiutarti a risolverle.

Potrai fare la visita gratuita con Panoramica e TAC omaggio, lo stesso giorno!

Make an appointment

Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 7.30pm

Dentist Milan

Via Luigi Settembrini, 6 (corner of Via Boscovich)

Dentist Naples

Via Benedetto Brin, 61F

Dentist Bergamo

Via Angelo Maj, 18E