Occlusal support and postural stability in children: An observational study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric dentistry
• Biomechanics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Previous studies linked uneven occlusal contact to falls in the elderly.
• Confounding factors like systemic disease were not well controlled in prior research.
• This study focuses on children (9-12 years) to minimize confounding variables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between uneven occlusal contact and fall risk in children.
• To assess if occlusal contact influences postural stability in a pediatric population.
• To determine the association between occlusal contact, postural sway, and fall history in children aged 9-12.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-five children (mean age 9.5 years) participated.
• Occlusal contact area ratio was measured using a pressure sensor sheet.
• Postural sway was assessed using a stabilometer, measuring center of pressure parameters.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between occlusal contact area ratio and postural sway parameters.
• Propensity score matching was used to control for overall physical function.
• No significant differences in postural sway or occlusal contact were observed between children with and without a history of falls.

Conclusions:

• Uneven occlusal contact is associated with increased postural sway in children.
• Despite increased postural sway, uneven occlusal contact does not appear to be a risk factor for fall incidence in this age group.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between oral health, balance, and falls in children.