The Impact of Chronological Age on Mandibular Movements

Abstract

Aims: The aims of this research are to evaluate mandibular movements' normal values in a representativepopulation sample of various chronological ages, to analyze the differences according to thechronological ages groups, to find out the correlation between mandibular movements' values andheight and weight in each age group, and to determine gender differences in each age group. Materialsand Methods: A total of eight hundred forty subjects were chosen from primary and secondary schoolsand college of dentistry/Mosul University students and staff, in the city of Mosul in Iraq, and orderedinto six groups according to the chronological age. The variables analyzed were maximum mouthopening MO, right and left lateral RL and LL, and protrusion movements P; considering age, height,weight, and gender. Results: Mandibular movements' ranges and means in normal healthy Iraqi populationin the city of Mosul are: MO 35-70 mm 49.1 mm, RL and LL 4-13 mm 7.5 mm, P 3-13 mm 6.9mm. The maximum mandibular movements' values were in young adults group. There were significantpositive Pearson Correlations among mandibular movements' values, height, and weight. Significantdifferences P<0.5 were found in terms of gender and mandibular movements in all age groups, exceptthe children group. Conclusion: Mandibular movements' values were measured in order to establishnormal reference values in Mosulian Iraqi population. Age, height, weight, and gender are importantvariables in relation to mandibular movements' values.