gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the taste function between smokers and healthy controls with clinical testing, subjective ratings and contact endoscopy of fungiform papillae.

Material and methods: Data were collected from 34 healthy subjects (mean age 33.8 yr; 18 female, 16 male) and 38 smokers (mean age 31.9 yr; 20 female, 18 male, 12 heavy smokers). The parameters assessed were the number of fungiform papillae per square centimeter in a non-contact way and their morphology (size, surface, capillary vessels) by contact endoscopy. In addition clinical testing of gustatory function performed with the use of taste strips and subjective intensity ratings of natural taste stimuli.

Results: No significant difference was found in clinical testing and intensity ratings between the two study groups. A trend towards significance was found only for decreased bitter taste in heavy smokers as assessed by taste strips test. The number and the size of fungiform papillae did not significantly differed between the study groups. No sex-related differences were observed. Smokers exhibited significantly more keratin structures on the fungiform papillae surface, less tortuous capillary vessels along with a significant distortion of their filiform papillae.

Conclusion: Taste function presents significant resistance in smoking although changes in morphology of fungiform and filiform papillae have been observed especially in heavy smokers.