Measurement and evaluation of maximum opening capacity and oral health conditions in individuals with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Neuromuscular problems, inherent to cerebral palsy (CP), significantly affect the oral health of these individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the relationship between motor impairment conditions and oral health conditions and TMJ amplitude in individuals with CP. The methodology was based on an evaluative process with extra and intra-oral clinical examination carried out on individuals with CP, who were divided into two groups, according to the condition, according to the GMFCS classification. Given the results obtained, it can be concluded that in both groups analyzed, the Angle class II type of dental malocclusion and the parafunctional habit of tongue interposition had a higher prevalence. The average maximum mouth opening was 29.92 mm, with a slightly significant reduction for the group with greater and lesser neurological involvement. Both groups evaluated presented a moderate prevalence rate of dental caries, with no significant difference between them.