Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
08:47
Mimicking and Measuring Occlusal Erosive Tooth Wear with the "Rub&Roll" and Non-contact Profilometry
Published on: February 2, 2018
12.8K
Factors associated with masticatory performance among preschool children
Maria Eliza Consolação Soares1, Maria Letícia Ramos-Jorge2, Bruna Mota de Alencar2
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rua da Glória, 187, Diamantina, MG, 39.100-000, Brazil. lisadtna@yahoo.com.br.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|March 2, 2016
Summary
Body Mass Index (BMI), dental issues, and food consistency impact how well preschool children chew. Better chewing is linked to more masticatory units and solid food intake, while poor chewing correlates with more cavities and liquid food consumption.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Nutrition Science
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Mastication is crucial for proper craniofacial development and overall child health.
- Understanding factors influencing masticatory performance in early childhood is essential for dental professionals.
- Preschoolers' dietary habits and oral health status can significantly affect their chewing efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), food consistency, and oral health problems on masticatory performance in preschool children.
- To identify key factors influencing the ability of young children to effectively break down food.
- To provide insights for dental practitioners regarding pediatric mastication.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 279 children aged 3-5 years, categorized by BMI (underweight, ideal, overweight).
- Assessment of eating habits, malocclusion, breathing patterns, masticatory units, and dental caries.
- Masticatory performance evaluated using the Optocal masticatory function test and the Rosin-Rammler equation to determine median food particle size (X50).
Main Results:
- Higher BMI, increased number of cavitated teeth, and greater daily intake of liquid foods were associated with larger median food particle sizes (poorer mastication).
- A higher number of masticatory units, older age, and increased daily intake of solid foods were linked to smaller median food particle sizes (better mastication).
Conclusions:
- Body Mass Index (BMI), the presence of cavitated teeth, number of masticatory units, child's age, and food consistency significantly influence masticatory performance in preschool children.
- These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of masticatory efficiency in early childhood.
- Dentists should consider these factors when assessing and managing oral health in young children.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
1.5K
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
1.5K
01:15Teeth
2.1K
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
2.1K
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
14
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
14
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
3.6K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
3.6K