Reference parameters for normality and associated factors to hard palate during mixed dentition phase

Area of Science:

• Pediatric dentistry
• Craniofacial development
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Understanding hard palate dimensions is crucial for diagnosing and treating dental and skeletal anomalies.
• Variations in palate size can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors during childhood development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between hard palate dimensions and demographic factors including sex, skin color, and mixed dentition stages.
• To establish normative reference parameters for hard palate measurements in children aged 7-13 years.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 569 children aged 7-13 years in southern Brazil.
• Hard palate width and depth were measured, alongside sociodemographic data and oral characteristics.
• Adjusted linear regression models analyzed the influence of predictor variables on palate dimensions.

Main Results:

• Hard palate dimensions were significantly larger in males and smaller during the early mixed dentition period.
• Skin color influenced palate width, with white individuals showing smaller measurements.
• Posterior crossbite, Angle Class II/III malocclusions, and non-nutritional sucking habits were associated with reduced palate width.

Conclusions:

• Sex, skin color, and the stage of mixed dentition are significant determinants of hard palate dimensions.
• Female sex, white skin color, and early mixed dentition were associated with smaller hard palate measurements.
• Establishing normative reference standards for palate measurements is essential for guiding clinical practice and identifying developmental deviations.