Age changes in the two-point discrimination threshold in human oral mucosa

Fifty young and fifty elderly subjects were tested by a two-point discrimination method applying an aesthesiometer to the mucous membrane of lips, cheeks and tongue. Two changes characteristic of ageing were disclosed: (1) higher threshold values were found in the older age group concomitant with (2) a greater range of variation in these values. The importance of the perception of tactile stimuli from the structures tested is discussed in relation to adaptation to full dentures. It is suggested that signals arising from lips, cheeks and tongue assist the process of adaptation, whereas signals from the denture foundation can, on occasion, prevent adaptation.