Table 3:

Parameters of mastication according to the general status

Parameters of masticatory cycle	Food	General status – clinically healthy		General status – altered		p
		Mean	Median	Mean	Median
Chewing time (seconds)	Biscuit	21.18	20	21.04	21	0.061
	Apple	13.82	14	14.17	14	0.437
	Carrot	26.45	26	28.57	28	0.001*
Number of masticatory cycles	Biscuit	30.82	30	31.39	31	0.274
	Apple	24.09	24	24.39	24	0.613
	Carrot	36.55	36	38.39	38	0.001*
Mean duration of masticatory cycle (seconds)	Biscuit	0.65	0.65	0.67	0.66	0.071
	Apple	0.57	0.58	0.58	0.58	0.409
	Carrot	0.72	0.72	0.74	0.73	0.021*
Chewing frequency	Biscuit	1.52	1.52	1.49	1.50	0.071
	Apple	1.74	1.71	1.72	1.71	0.409
	Carrot	1.38	1.38	1.34	1.35	0.021*