Maximal bite force, facial morphology and sucking habits in young children with functional posterior crossbite

Author(s)

Castelo, Paula Midori ^[1] ; Duarte Gaviao, Maria Beatriz ^[2] ; Pereira, Luciano Jose ^[3] ; Bonjardim, Leonardo Rigoldi ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Piracicaba Dent Sch, Dept Pediat Dent, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Lavras, Dept Physiol, Lavras, MG - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Sergipe, Sch Dent, Dept Physiol, Aracaju, SE - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Oral Science; v. 18, n. 2, p. 143-148, MAR-APR 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

Objective: The maintenance of normal conditions of the masticatory function is determinant for the correct growth and development of its structures. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of sucking habits on the presence of crossbite and its relationship with maximal bite force, facial morphology and body variables in 67 children of both genders (3.5-7 years) with primary or early mixed dentition. Material and methods: The children were divided in four groups: primary-normocclusion (PN, n=19), primary-crossbite (PC, n=19), mixed-normocclusion (MN, n=13), and mixed-crossbite (MC, n=16). Bite force was measured with a pressurized tube, and facial morphology was determined by standardized frontal photographs: AFH (anterior face height) and BFW (bizygomatic facial width). Results: It was observed that MC group showed lower bite force than MN, and AFH/BFW was significantly smaller in PN than PC (t-test). Weight and height were only significantly correlated with bite force in PC group (Pearson's correlation test). In the primary dentition, AFH/BFW and breast-feeding (at least six months) were positive and negatively associated with crossbite, respectively (multiple logistic regression). In the mixed dentition, breast-feeding and bite force showed negative associations with crossbite (univariate regression), while nonnutritive sucking (up to 3 years) associated significantly with crossbite in all groups (multiple logistic regression). Conclusions: In the studied sample, sucking habits played an important role in the etiology of crossbite, which was associated with lower bite force and long-face tendency. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/06338-0 - Quality of life evaluation, salivary cortisol and amylase levels and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles and their associations with parafunctional and nutritive habits in children
• Grantee: Paula Midori Castelo Ferrua
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate