Predictors of Developmental Insufficiency of Oral Function in children

Abstract

This study purposed to investigate the nature of “Developmental Insufficiency of Oral Function (DIOF)” by performing various tests using medical equipment to evaluate oral functions in children, and consequently, contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in future. The participants in this study were 96 children (age 3–6 years; 42 boys and 54 girls). Through the questionnaires for the parents, data on the target children's age, gender, growth history, home environment, lifestyle, oral habits, pronunciation, exercise habits, nasal diseases, and eating behaviors were collected. Furthermore, calf circumference, grip strength, tongue pressure, occlusal force, lip-closure strength, mouth rinsing function test, speech function, and oral examination were performed. The percentage of those who answered “Yes” to the items about eating behavior was significantly higher in the DIOF positive group than that of those without DIOF. Moreover, the value of tongue pressure was found to be significantly lower in the group with DIOF than in the group without DIOF. Analysis of other survey items revealed lack of significant differences between absence and presence of DIOF. Lower tongue pressure, nasal disease, and the problem of eating behavior affect DIOF in children. The results of this study suggest that interviewing parents and measuring tongue pressure may be useful in the diagnosis of DIOF in children.