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[Orofacial touch and pressure sensitivity in children].
1Department of Orofacial Development and Functions, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Summary
Orofacial touch and pressure sensation thresholds in children were assessed and compared to adults. Thresholds were similar, except on the gingiva and palate, indicating developmental changes in oral function.
Area of Science:
- Oral sensory science
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Orofacial sensation plays a crucial role in oral functions like eating and speech.
- Understanding sensory development in children is essential for identifying potential functional impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare orofacial touch and pressure sensation thresholds in children and adults.
- To establish normative sensory data for children's oral development.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving child (4-15 years) and adult (23-31 years) subjects.
- Measurement of touch and pressure sensation thresholds using a Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer.
- Testing 10 orofacial points, including lips, gingiva, palate, tongue, and facial skin.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in thresholds between children and adults on most orofacial points.
- Significantly different thresholds observed on the gingiva and palate in children compared to adults.
- A negative correlation between age and gingival/palatal thresholds in children, suggesting lower thresholds with younger age.
Conclusions:
- Orofacial sensory thresholds, particularly on the gingiva and palate, change with growth and development.
- These findings suggest histological alterations in the chewing mucous membrane during development.
- The established threshold values can serve as normative indicators for oral function and structure development in children.