Relationship between oral function and mandibular anterior crowding in early mixed dentition

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Oral Physiology

Background:

• Dental occlusion is influenced by the interplay of perioral muscles and tongue forces.
• Abnormalities in oral function may contribute to developmental issues like mandibular anterior crowding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oral function and mandibular anterior crowding in early mixed dentition.
• To assess correlations between specific oral muscle function measurements and dental crowding.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 61 children (early mixed dentition) for height, body weight, maximum occlusal force, lip-closing strength, and maximum tongue pressure.
• Assessed dental casts for Little's Irregularity Index (LII) to quantify mandibular anterior crowding.
• Utilized lateral cephalograms for further analysis of dental and skeletal relationships.

Main Results:

• Maximum tongue pressure showed a significant negative correlation with LII, indicating increased crowding with higher tongue pressure.
• Maximum occlusal force and lip-closing strength were not directly correlated with LII but showed positive correlations with tongue pressure.
• Tongue pressure was significantly correlated with mandibular intercanine perimeter distance, U1/NL angle, and interincisal angle.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular anterior crowding is directly correlated with tongue pressure function.
• Maximum occlusal force and lip-closing strength appear indirectly related to mandibular anterior crowding.
• Findings suggest oral function, particularly tongue pressure, plays a role in the development of mandibular anterior crowding.