Masticatory Efficiency in Children

Association of Masticatory Efficiency With the Condition of the Stomatognathic System in Children

This study aims to evaluate the association of masticatory efficiency with different conditions of the stomatognathic system (transitioning from primary to secondary dentition, dental caries, malocclusion, tooth loss, prosthodontic treatment) in the paediatric population. Also, to assess the correlation between masticatory efficiency and nutritional status. The study will be conducted on children between 3 and 14 years of age. Masticatory efficiency will be evaluated by the optical scanning method. Participants will chew a standardized silicone tablet controlled by the examiner for 20 masticatory strokes. By scanning the comminuted particles, data on each particle's size will be obtained. Enhanced masticatory performance is presented by a decrease in the chewed particle areas and an increase in the number of chewed particles.

Inclusion Criteria:

• children of both genders aged 3 to 14, with:

  • full healthy dentition
  • bilateral dental caries stage 4,5 or 6 by ICDAS criteria
  • reduced number of occlusal contacts
  • dentures

• signed informed consent by participant's parents

• verbal consent of the children

Exclusion Criteria:

• uncooperative behavior
• symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• parafunctional habits
• systemic disturbances that can impact mastication
• ingestion of medicines that could interfere directly or indirectly with muscular activity
• tooth anomalies of structure, number or form
• periodontal disease
• tooth mobility