Abstract
Objective: To better understand the relationship between malocclusion and masticatory and salivary functions in the primary dentition, the aim was to evaluate the differences in masticatory performance (MP), facial morphology (FM), maximal bite force (BF) and salivary parameters in 65 preschool children with normal occlusion (n = 22), functional posterior crossbite (n = 20) and anterior open bite (n = 23), and to explore the relationship between these variables. Material and Methods: MP, FM and BF were assessed by sieving method, anthropometry and gnatodynamometer, respectively. Stimulated (SS) and unstimulated (US) saliva flow and composition were measured by automated colorimetric technique. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis, t-test/Wilcoxon and Pearson/Spearman correlation test. The relationship between SS flow rate and the independent variables were assessed using multiple linear regression. Results: The lower face dimension was smaller in crossbite-group, and a decreased BF in the crossbite-side of the dental arch was observed. BF correlated positively with intergonial width in open bite group. In malocclusion groups, better MP correlated with byzigomatic and intergonial widths. US flow rate was lower in crossbite-group and total protein concentration differed between SS and US saliva only in the crossbite-group, being lower in US. Amylase activity was higher in SS than US in all groups. SS flow rate related positively with age and negatively with the presence of malocclusion. Conclusion: In young subjects, significant correlations were found between masticatory parameters and facial dimensions; in addition, some important masticatory and salivary parameters differed between children with different morphological occlusions, hence the importance of the early assessment of these parameters.KEYWORDS Bite Force; Dental Occlusion; Masticatory System; Primary Dentition.
Highlights
C hewing is the first oral step in the process of digestion, when food is prepared for swallowing and further processing
The comparison of facial morphology among groups showed a smaller dimension of the lower face in the crossbite-group, probably because functional posterior crossbite is generally associated with a distal step in the crossbite-side and rotational closure of the mandible [16]
These findings corroborate past studies that showed several changes in the growth and function of orofacial structures related to the persistency of this malocclusion, such as decrease in bite force (BF) magnitude [17], asymmetrical masticatory muscle activity, muscle and hard tissues asymmetries [4,17] and abnormal chewing pattern [18]
Summary
C hewing is the first oral step in the process of digestion, when food is prepared for swallowing and further processing. It is subjected to several mechanical and chemical processes, being diluted and broken down by saliva, forming a bolus to be swallowed. Components of saliva participate and facilitate the motor functions of chewing, swallowing and speech, as well as the functions of the sensory perception of flavor, taste and texture of food in the oral cavity [2], contributing to food acceptability [3]. Occlusion is an important predictor in craniofacial development, as to reach a normal growth, it is necessary to enable a proper morphological and functional development of the jaws. Malocclusions, when present, may alter some stomatognathic functions, such as speech and chewing [4]
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