Relationship between bite force, occlusal contact area, and three-dimensional facial soft tissue in dentofacial deformities.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional facial soft tissue dimensions, maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area in patients with DFD. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between MBF and the three-dimensional facial measurements. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with skeletal Class III DFD and 20 patients with Class II DFD underwent a soft tissue evaluation using surface laser scanning, as well as MBF and occlusal contact area assessments. The DFD groups were compared with each other and with 25 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significant morphological differences were found in the transversal, vertical, and anteroposterior dimensions between Class II DFD and Class III DFD. Both DFD groups presented an increased linear distance of chin height, which was strongly related with decreased MBF magnitude. The DFD groups exhibited lower MBF and occlusal contact area, with no significant differences between Class II and Class III DFD. CONCLUSION: The presence of DFD affected 3D measurements of facial soft tissue, causing variations beyond normal limits, lower MBF, and occlusal contact area in both Class II and Class III DFD patients. The vertical dimension might have influenced the lower MBF magnitude in the studied skeletal deformities.

Effects of tongue strengthening exercises in healthy adults and elderly: an integrative literature review. / Efeitos dos exercícios de força da língua em adultos e idosos saudáveis: uma revisão integrativa de literatura.

PURPOSE: To summarize and discuss the scientific literature on the effects of tongue strengthening exercises on healthy adults and elderly people. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: We searched two online databases, PubMed and Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with evidence of interventions in tongues strengthening exercises in healthy individuals over 18 years of age. DATA ANALYSIS: Study objectives, design, participants, interventions, gain in the percentage of tongue strength. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included. There was an increase in tongue strength after strengthening training in healthy adults and elderly people. This strength was maintained after a short period of detraining. We could not compare the results between age groups due to the different methodological designs. We found that the approach of a less intense training protocol was more effective in gaining tongue strength in the elderly. CONCLUSION: Tongue strength training proved effective in increasing tongue strength in healthy individuals of different age groups. The benefits reported for the elderly corresponded to the reversal of the progressive loss of strength and muscle mass caused by aging. These findings must be interpreted with caution considering the number of studies on the elderly and their methodological variability.

OBJETIVO: resumir e discutir a produção científica dos efeitos dos exercícios de força da língua em adultos e idosos saudáveis. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: foi realizada em dois bancos de dados online, PubMed e Web of Science. Critérios de seleção: foram considerados estudos que obtiveram evidências de intervenções com exercícios de força de língua em indivíduos saudáveis e acima de 18 anos de idade. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: foram extraídos os dados objetivos do estudo, desenho, participantes, intervenções, assim como ganho em percentual da força de língua. RESULTADOS: foram incluídos 16 estudos. Houve um aumento da força da língua após o treino de fortalecimento em adultos e idosos saudáveis. Houve a manutenção dessa força após um período curto de destreino. Não foi possível comparar os resultados entre as faixas etárias, devido aos diferentes desenhos metodológicos. Notou-se que a abordagem de um protocolo de treinamento menos intenso se mostrou mais eficaz no ganho de força da língua em idosos. CONCLUSÃO: Os treinamentos de força de língua demonstraram ser eficazes para o seu aumento em indivíduos saudáveis de diferentes faixas etárias. Os benefícios relatados aos idosos foram a reversão da perda progressiva de força e massa muscular causada pelo envelhecimento. Os achados devem ser interpretados com cautela, devido ao número de estudos em idosos e sua variabilidade metodológica.

Orofacial functions and forces in male and female healthy young and adults.

PURPOSE: To determine reference values of orofacial myofunctional condition and orofacial forces in healthy young and adults. METHODS: Fifty young and adults were selected from a total of 316 voluntaries. Participants were assessed with the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) for the investigation of orofacial myofunctional condition. The maximum forces of bite, cheeks, tongue (anterior and posterior regions), and lips were assessed with an electronic dynamometer (values expressed in Newtons). Force values were obtained by average of three repeated measurement. The technical error of measurements was calculated for all variables. RESULTS: There were no differences in orofacial myofunctional condition between men and women. Men presented higher values of orofacial forces compared to women. CONCLUSION: The normal values of orofacial myofunctional condition and orofacial forces were determined in healthy and adults Brazilian men and women. The values obtained in this study from healthy Brazilian may help in the diagnosis of alterations in orofacial motor function and contribute for their therapeutic management.

Tongue strength, masticatory and swallowing dysfunction in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder.

BACKGROUND: The possible factors related to functional impairment and limitations in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) still need to be clarified because recovery of orofacial functions is a goal of their treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether chronic TMD patients had any changes in tongue strength, besides the difficulty in chewing and orofacial functional impairment, compared to a control group. Moreover, to examine whether tongue strength, chewing difficulties, and orofacial functions were associated. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with chronic TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and volunteers without TMD (control group) were compared. Strength measures were obtained using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) during tongue protrusion (TPS) and swallowing of saliva (SS) tasks. A scale was used to investigate self-reported chewing difficulties, and the orofacial muscles and functions were evaluated using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores protocol (OMES). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, TMD patients showed reduced TPS and SS, higher difficulty in chewing and worse myofunctional orofacial conditions. Tongue strength was correlated with mastication and swallowing behaviors, as well as with general myofunctional status. Chewing difficulty increased with decreasing tongue strength and with worsening of orofacial muscles and functions. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic TMD showed reduced tongue strength and worse masticatory and swallowing functions, and these aspects were interrelated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present results contribute additional evidence regarding the impairment of orofacial muscles other than jaw elevator muscles in patients with chronic TMD.

Relationship between bite force, occlusal contact area, and three-dimensional facial soft tissue in dentofacial deformities

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional facial soft tissue dimensions, maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area in patients with DFD. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between MBF and the three-dimensional facial measurements. Methods Thirty-two patients with skeletal Class III DFD and 20 patients with Class II DFD underwent a soft tissue evaluation using surface laser scanning, as well as MBF and occlusal contact area assessments. The DFD groups were compared with each other and with 25 healthy subjects. Results Significant morphological differences were found in the transversal, vertical, and anteroposterior dimensions between Class II DFD and Class III DFD. Both DFD groups presented an increased linear distance of chin height, which was strongly related with decreased MBF magnitude. The DFD groups exhibited lower MBF and occlusal contact area, with no significant differences between Class II and Class III DFD. Conclusion The presence of DFD affected 3D measurements of facial soft tissue, causing variations beyond normal limits, lower MBF, and occlusal contact area in both Class II and Class III DFD patients. The vertical dimension might have influenced the lower MBF magnitude in the studied skeletal deformities.

Obstructive sleep apnea: focus on myofunctional therapy.

PURPOSE: Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a modality of treatment for children and adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to promote changes in the musculature of the upper airways. This review summarizes and discusses the effects of OMT on OSA, the therapeutic programs employed, and their possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: We conducted an online literature search using the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Search terms were "obstructive sleep apnea" in combination with "myofunctional therapy" OR "oropharyngeal exercises" OR "speech therapy". We considered original articles in English and Portuguese containing a diagnosis of OSA based on polysomnography (PSG). The primary outcomes of interest for this review were objective measurement derived from PSG and subjective sleep symptoms. The secondary outcome was the evaluation of orofacial myofunctional status. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in this review. The studies reviewed reveal that several benefits of OMT were demonstrated in adults, which include significant decrease of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), reduced arousal index, improvement in subjective symptoms of daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and life quality. In children with residual apnea, OMT promoted a decrease of AHI, increase in oxygen saturation, and improvement of orofacial myofunctional status. Few of the studies reviewed reported the effects of OMT on the musculature. CONCLUSION: The present review showed that OMT is effective for the treatment of adults in reducing the severity of OSA and snoring, and improving the quality of life. OMT is also successful for the treatment of children with residual apnea. In addition, OMT favors the adherence to continuous positive airway pressure. However, randomized and high-quality studies are still rare, and the effects of treatment should also be analyzed on a long-term basis, including measures showing if changes occurred in the musculature.

Efeitos dos exercícios de força da língua em adultos e idosos saudáveis: uma revisão integrativa de literatura / Effects of tongue strengthening exercises in healthy adults and elderly: an integrative literature review

RESUMO Objetivo resumir e discutir a produção científica dos efeitos dos exercícios de força da língua em adultos e idosos saudáveis. Estratégia de pesquisa foi realizada em dois bancos de dados online, PubMed e Web of Science. Critérios de seleção: foram considerados estudos que obtiveram evidências de intervenções com exercícios de força de língua em indivíduos saudáveis e acima de 18 anos de idade. Análise dos dados foram extraídos os dados objetivos do estudo, desenho, participantes, intervenções, assim como ganho em percentual da força de língua. Resultados foram incluídos 16 estudos. Houve um aumento da força da língua após o treino de fortalecimento em adultos e idosos saudáveis. Houve a manutenção dessa força após um período curto de destreino. Não foi possível comparar os resultados entre as faixas etárias, devido aos diferentes desenhos metodológicos. Notou-se que a abordagem de um protocolo de treinamento menos intenso se mostrou mais eficaz no ganho de força da língua em idosos. Conclusão Os treinamentos de força de língua demonstraram ser eficazes para o seu aumento em indivíduos saudáveis de diferentes faixas etárias. Os benefícios relatados aos idosos foram a reversão da perda progressiva de força e massa muscular causada pelo envelhecimento. Os achados devem ser interpretados com cautela, devido ao número de estudos em idosos e sua variabilidade metodológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To summarize and discuss the scientific literature on the effects of tongue strengthening exercises on healthy adults and elderly people. Research strategies We searched two online databases, PubMed and Web of Science. Selection criteria Studies with evidence of interventions in tongues strengthening exercises in healthy individuals over 18 years of age. Data analysis Study objectives, design, participants, interventions, gain in the percentage of tongue strength. Results Sixteen studies were included. There was an increase in tongue strength after strengthening training in healthy adults and elderly people. This strength was maintained after a short period of detraining. We could not compare the results between age groups due to the different methodological designs. We found that the approach of a less intense training protocol was more effective in gaining tongue strength in the elderly. Conclusion Tongue strength training proved effective in increasing tongue strength in healthy individuals of different age groups. The benefits reported for the elderly corresponded to the reversal of the progressive loss of strength and muscle mass caused by aging. These findings must be interpreted with caution considering the number of studies on the elderly and their methodological variability.

Nasalance of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking populations from two different states. / Nasalância de populações falantes do português brasileiro de dois estados distintos.

PURPOSE: To measure the nasalance scores of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking young adults from the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais in order to investigate whether dialect variations and gender affect these scores. METHODS: Nasalance was assessed in 36 individuals: 20 native residents of Sao Paulo state (mean age=23 y.o.) and 16 native residents of Minas Gerais state (mean age=24 y.o.), following the same criteria. Nasalance measures were taken using the Nasometer II 6400 (KayPentax) device based on the reading of three texts (nasal-1, nasal-2, and oral). Intergroup nasalance scores were compared using the unpaired Student's t test considering two experimental groups. RESULTS: The nasalance scores in individuals from the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais were 52.7% and 48.8% for the nasal-1 text, 49.6% and 49.9% for the nasal-2 text, and 14.3% and 9.8% for the oral text, respectively. Statistical analysis comparing the mean nasalance scores in both groups showed significant difference (p=0.03) only for the oral text, in which individuals from Sao Paulo state presented higher scores. CONCLUSION: Although nasalance scores were lower in individuals from Minas Gerais state compared with those of individuals from Sao Paulo state, both groups presented values within the normal range. The variable gender was not relevant in the nasalance assessment; however, a tendency for higher scores was observed in women compared with men from Minas Gerais state in the same group in the reading of the nasal-2 text. This study contributes to the knowledge of nasalance reference scores for two different populations of Brazilian Portuguese speakers; however, the results herein reported should be interpreted with caution due to the small study sample size.

Orofacial motor functions in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and implications for myofunctional therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were (1) to identify possible differences in muscular and orofacial functions between children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and with primary snoring (PS); (2) to examine the standardized difference between normal values of myofunctional scores and those of subjects with OSA or PS; and (3) to identify the features associated with OSA. METHODS: Participants were 39 children (mean age 8 ± 1.2 years) of which, 27 had a diagnosis of OSA and 12 had PS. All participants were examined by an otorhinolaryngologist and underwent overnight polysomnography. Orofacial characteristics were determined through a validated protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores (OMES), surface electromyography of masticatory muscles, and measurements of maximal lip and tongue strength. Reference values in the OMES were included to quantify the standardized difference (effect size = ES) relative to the groups studied and in the regression analysis. RESULTS: The OSA group had lower scores in breathing and deglutition, more unbalanced masticatory muscle activities than PS group (P < 0.05), but both groups had similar reductions in orofacial strength. OSA had a large ES (Cohen's d > 0.8) in all analysed OMES scores, while PS group showed small and medium differences in breathing and mastication scores, respectively. The mobility of the stomatognathic components score was the most important to contribute for group status (57%, P < 0.0001) in the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Children with tonsillar hypertrophy and OSA had relevant impairments in orofacial functions and lesser muscular coordination than children with PS.

Breast-feeding and deleterious oral habits in mouth and nose breathers.

AIM: Breast-feeding promotes several benefits in childhood, among them favoring the nasal breathing. In the present study, the relationship between breathing pattern and the history of breast-feeding and of deleterious oral habits was determined. STUDY DESIGN: clinical with transversal cohort. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study population consisted of 62 children ranging in age from 3 years and 3 months to 6 years and 11 months who were submitted to otorhinolaryngologic evaluation to determine nasal and mouth breathers and to a speech language pathologic interview. The otorhinolaryngologic evaluation involved the following exams: anterior rhinoscopy, oroscopy and radiologic examination. The parents of the children were questioned about the form of feeding (natural and/or artificial), the duration of breast-feeding and the presence of deleterious oral habits (suction and biting). The Fisher exact test was used to compare groups regarding the presence and absence of habits and the different periods of breast-feeding. RESULTS: The breast-feeding period was longer among nasal breathers and was concentrated in the period between 3 and 6 months of age. Regarding the use of bottle, the results showed that most of the children in both groups used this type of feeding during the first years of life, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.58). There was a marked presence of deleterious oral habits among mouth breathers, with a statistically significant difference between groups regarding suction (p=0.004) and biting habits (p=0.0002). CONCLUSION: Mouth breathing children were breast-fed for a shorter period of time and had a history of deleterious oral habits compared to nose breathers.

Analysis of tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults.

PURPOSE: To present the measures for tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults, considering specific tasks, and to verify the differences regarding gender and according to the tasks. METHODS: Fifty-one volunteers aged 18 to 28 years, of both genders with normal occlusion and without speech disorders were evaluated. We used the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument in the evaluation of tongue pressure (kilopascal) during specific tests of elevation, protrusion, swallowing, and lateralization, in addition to the endurance test (seconds). The analysis was conducted using analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey's multiple comparison test, adopting a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The values obtained for men and women in the tests were as follows: elevation, 63.94±12.92 and 50.27±15.29; protrusion, 60.22±13.62 and 44.30±12.95; swallowing, 33.94±12.06 and 34.27±13.25; lateralization on the right, 44.15±10.47 and 31.85±8.46; lateralization on the left, 43.15±10.22 and 29.55±8.91; and endurance test: 24.85±10.95 and 17.35±6.71, respectively. The values were higher in men compared with women for the protrusion and lateralization tasks. The measures of the protrusion and elevation tasks did not differ for men but were higher in both genders than those of the lateralization and the swallowing tests. There was no difference in lateralization according to side in both the genders. CONCLUSION: The measures for the tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults were determined by specific tasks. Gender influenced the pressure of the tongue values for the protrusion and lateralization tasks. Elevation and protrusion tasks measures were higher than those of the lateralization and swallowing tasks.

Mastication and deglutition changes in children with tonsillar hypertrophy.

UNLABELLED: The changes in mastication and deglutition in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy need to be better characterized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of parent-reported myofunctional changes and to determine if there are differences in the alteration patterns of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. METHOD: Questionnaire and assessment by a speech therapist of children aged between three and six years with tonsillar hypertrophy. The data reported by the parents were compared to the data obtained from the speech therapist's evaluation; additionally, data from children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy were compared to findings from subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. STUDY DESIGN: cross-sectional cohort. RESULTS: The myofunctional changes observed by the speech therapist were more frequent than the alterations reported by the parents, and there was no correlation between the two findings. The children with adenoid hypertrophy and the individuals with adenotonsillar hypertrophy had the same pattern of myofunctional alteration. CONCLUSION: Parents cannot clearly correlate tonsillar hypertrophy with changes in mastication and deglutition. The cause of the respiratory obstruction does not seem to interfere in the pattern of myofunctional change.

Chewing time and chewing strokes in different dentofacial deformities.

PURPOSE: To verify whether the number of chewing strokes and the chewing time are influenced by dentofacial deformities in habitual free mastication. METHODS: Participants were 15 patients with diagnosis of class II dentofacial deformity (GII), 15 with class III (GIII), and 15 healthy control individuals with no deformity (CG). Free habitual mastication of a cornstarch cookie was analyzed, considering the number of chewing strokes and the time needed to complete two mastications. Strokes were counted by considering the opening and closing movements of the mandible. The time needed to consume each bite was determined using a digital chronometer, started after the placement of the food in the oral cavity and stopped when each portion was swallowed. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups regarding both the number of strokes and the chewing time. However, with regards to the number of strokes, CG and GII presented a significant concordance between the first and the second chewing situation, which was not observed in GIII. The analysis of time showed significant concordance between the first and second chewing situation in CG, reasonable concordance in GII, and discordance in GIII. CONCLUSION: Dentofacial deformities do not influence the number of chewing strokes or the chewing time. However, class III individuals do not show uniformity regarding these aspects.

Nasalância de populações falantes do português brasileiro de dois estados distintos / Nasalance of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking populations from two different states

RESUMO Objetivo Obter valores de nasalância de jovens adultos, falantes do português brasileiro dos estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais, para investigar a existência de fatores influenciadores, como variação dialetal e gênero. Método Foi avaliada a nasalidade de 36 indivíduos, 20 oriundos do Estado de São Paulo (idade média: 23 anos) e 16 de Minas Gerais (idade média: 24 anos), de ambos os gêneros, pelo Nasômetro II modelo 6400 (KayPENTAX®) durante a leitura de três textos (nasal1, nasal2 e oral). A comparação dos valores de nasalância entre os grupos foi feita pelo teste t de Student não pareado, considerando dois grupos experimentais. Resultados Os valores de nasalância encontrados nas populações paulista e mineira foram, respectivamente, 52,7% e 48,8% para o texto nasal1; 49,6% e 49,9% para o texto nasal2 e 14,3% e 9,8% para o texto oral. Na análise comparativa da média dos valores, verificou-se diferença no texto oral (p=0,03), sendo a nasalância dos paulistas maior que a dos mineiros, já o fator gênero não apresentou diferença significativa. Conclusão Ambas as populações apresentaram valores de nasalância dentro dos padrões de normalidade, porém a nasalância dos mineiros foi menor que a dos paulistas. O fator gênero não mostrou influência sobre esses valores, ainda que, no texto nasal2, as mulheres mineiras mostraram uma tendência de maior valor de nasalância que os homens mineiros. Nosso estudo contribui para o conhecimento dos valores de referência para populações distintas, falantes do português brasileiro, contudo, deve ser interpretado com ponderação, visto o número reduzido da amostra.

ABSTRACT Purpose To measure the nasalance scores of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking young adults from the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais in order to investigate whether dialect variations and gender affect these scores. Methods Nasalance was assessed in 36 individuals: 20 native residents of Sao Paulo state (mean age=23 y.o.) and 16 native residents of Minas Gerais state (mean age=24 y.o.), following the same criteria. Nasalance measures were taken using the Nasometer II 6400 (KayPentax) device based on the reading of three texts (nasal-1, nasal-2, and oral). Intergroup nasalance scores were compared using the unpaired Student’s t test considering two experimental groups. Results The nasalance scores in individuals from the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais were 52.7% and 48.8% for the nasal-1 text, 49.6% and 49.9% for the nasal-2 text, and 14.3% and 9.8% for the oral text, respectively. Statistical analysis comparing the mean nasalance scores in both groups showed significant difference (p=0.03) only for the oral text, in which individuals from Sao Paulo state presented higher scores. Conclusion Although nasalance scores were lower in individuals from Minas Gerais state compared with those of individuals from Sao Paulo state, both groups presented values within the normal range. The variable gender was not relevant in the nasalance assessment; however, a tendency for higher scores was observed in women compared with men from Minas Gerais state in the same group in the reading of the nasal-2 text. This study contributes to the knowledge of nasalance reference scores for two different populations of Brazilian Portuguese speakers; however, the results herein reported should be interpreted with caution due to the small study sample size.

Força de mordida em crianças com mordida cruzada posterior / Bite force in children with posterior crossbite

RESUMO Introdução A força de mordida é influenciada pela condição oclusal. Em crianças com mordida cruzada posterior, os resultados são controversos. Objetivo Investigar a influência da mordida cruzada posterior na força isométrica máxima de mordida, em crianças na fase de dentição mista. Métodos Participaram deste estudo transversal 32 crianças, sendo 21 do grupo mordida cruzada posterior (10 meninas e 11 meninos, média de idade 9,2 anos) e 11 do grupo controle, sem alterações oclusais (seis meninas, cinco meninos, média de idade 9,3 anos). As crianças foram avaliadas por um ortodontista, para diagnóstico oclusal e caracterização dos grupos, pela equipe de otorrinolaringologia, para avaliação do quadro respiratório, e por uma fonoaudióloga. O dinamômetro foi posicionado na região dos molares e as crianças foram instruídas a mordê-lo o mais forte possível, por três vezes, alternadamente. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste t de Student para amostras independentes e dependentes. O nível de significância estabelecido foi de 5%. Resultados Na comparação entre os grupos mordida cruzada e controle não foi encontrada diferença significativa e no grupo mordida cruzada, não houve diferença entre o lado cruzado e o não cruzado. Conclusão A presença de mordida cruzada posterior não esteve relacionada à força de mordida em crianças na fase de dentição mista.

ABSTRACT Introduction The bite force is influenced by the occlusal condition. In children with posterior crossbite the results are controversial. Purpose To investigate the influence of posterior crossbite in maximal isometric bite force (MIBF) in children with mixed dentition. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 32 children participated, 21 of them belonging to the posterior cross-bite group (10 girls and 11 boys, mean age 9.2 years) and 11 to the control group (6 girls, 5 boys, mean age 9.3 years). The children were evaluated by an orthodontist for occlusal diagnosis and characterization of the groups, by otorhinolaryngologists for evaluation of respiratory symptoms and by a speech therapist to identify the clinical and MIBF myofunctional orofacial condition. The dynamometer was placed in the molar region and the children were instructed to bite it as hard as possible three times alternately. For data analysis, Student’s t-test for independent samples was used. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results While comparing the groups crossbite vs. control, there was no significantly difference; also, among only children belonging to the crossbite group, there was no difference between the sides (crossed bite vs. Noncrossed one). Conclusion The presence of posterior crossbite did not influence the maximal isometric bite force in children with mixed dentition.

Força de mordida em respiradores bucais / The magnitude of the bite force in mouth breathers

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a influência da respiração bucal na força de mordida máxima de dentes molares em crianças. Métodos Cento e cinco crianças foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle (GC), sem queixas respiratórias e com padrão clínico de vedamento labial e grupo de respiradores bucais (GRB), com queixas respiratórias e diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico de obstrução nasal. Todos os participantes realizaram a avaliação da força de mordida isométrica máxima (FMIM), de ambos os lados da arcada dentária, por meio de um gnatodinamômetro posicionado na região dos primeiros molares. Os testes estatísticos t de Student pareado e não pareado foram usados nas comparações da FMIM entre os lados, de cada grupo, e entre os grupos (GC e GRB). O grau de obstrução foi correlacionado à FMIM (GRB), por meio do teste de correlação de Spearman. Foram considerados significativos resultados com p≤0,05. Resultados Não houve diferença nos valores de FMIM entre os lados direito e esquerdo da arcada dentária. Quando comparados os valores de FMIM dos participantes do GC e do GRB não foi observada diferença, de um modo geral. Entretanto, quando correlacionada a FMIM com a idade dos participantes da pesquisa, notou-se que no GC houve aumento no valor da FMIM, de acordo com a idade. Conclusão A obstrução nasal não influenciou na força de mordida isométrica máxima em crianças de 3 a 12 anos de idade. Não houve correlação entre o grau de obstrução e a força de mordida. No GC a força de mordida foi maior em crianças mais velhas, porém, essa correlação com a idade não foi observada no GRB.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the influence of mouth breathing on the maximum molar bite force in children. Methods One hundred and five children were divided into two groups: the control group (CG) without respiratory symptoms and the clinical pattern of a competent lip seal, and the mouth breathers (MB) who had respiratory complaints and an otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of nasal obstruction. All participants were assessed for their maximum isometric bite force (MIBF), on both sides of the dental arch, with a gnathodynamometer positioned in the region of the first molars. Paired and unpaired Student's t-tests were used in the comparisons of the MIBF of both sides from each group and between each group (CG and MB). The degree of obstruction was correlated with MIBF (MB), using the Spearman correlation test. Results with p≤0.05 were considered significant. Results There were no significant differences in the MIBF values between the right and left sides of the dental arch. In a comparison of the MIBF values of the CG and MB participants, no difference between the groups were found in general. However, when the age of the survey participants was correlated against MIBF, an increase in MIBF value according to age was evident for the CG participants. Conclusion Nasal obstruction did not influence maximum isometric bite force in children between three and 12 years old. There was no correlation between the degree of obstruction and the bite force. The CG bite force was higher for older children, however, this correlation was not observed in MB.

Telemedicina na Estratégia de Saúde da Família: avaliando sua aplicabilidade no contexto do PET Saúde / Telemedicine in the Family Health Strategy: an assessment of applicability in the context of PET Project

Resumo Introdução: Ferramentas de web e teleconferência visando aumentar a resolubilidade da Atenção Básica (AB) são ferramentas de grande valor na articulação com a atenção secundária. Objetivo: Avaliar a segunda opinião formativa através de web e teleconferência em unidades de atenção primária e secundária integrantes do PET-Saúde. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo oito equipes de Saúde da Família, conectadas por ferramentas de telessaúde a um centro de atenção secundária em saúde, ligado a uma instituição de ensino superior, na qual um cardiologista e um alergologista atuaram como médicos consultores. Resultado: Foram geradas 103 consultorias – 44 em Cardiologia e 59 em Alergia Respiratória e Cutânea. Identificou-se que a idade dos assistidos foi maior na segunda opinião da Cardiologia; homens prevaleceram na Cardiologia e mulheres na Alergologia. Na Atenção Básica, resolubilidade ótima ou boa em 75% dos casos. Na Cardiologia, as dúvidas quanto à solicitação e interpretação de exames complementares/condução do tratamento representaram 75% dos casos. Na Alergologia, as dúvidas no diagnóstico, 90% deles. Principais diagnósticos na Cardiologia: hipertensão arterial sistêmica, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e arritmia sinusal. Na Alergologia: asma e dermatite atópica. Conclusão: O estudo revela potencial e relevância da telemedicina na formação, assistência e pesquisa no SUS.

Abstract Introduction: web and teleconferencing tools to increase the resolution of Primary Care Health (PHC) are valuable tools in conjunction with secondary care. Objective: To evaluate the second formative opinion by web and teleconference in PHC and secondary health center among members of the PET-Health. Method: We performed a cross-sectional study including eight Family Health teams, connected by telehealth tools to a center of secondary health care, attached to a higher education institution, where a cardiologist and an allergist acted as medical consultants. Result: We generated 103 consultancies - 44 in cardiology and 59 in respiratory and skin allergy. It was found that the assisted age was higher in the second opinion of Cardiology; men prevailed in cardiology and women in allergy. In PHC, we found great or good resolving in 75% of the cases. In cardiology application and interpretation uncertainty of additional tests/driving treatment accounted for 75% of cases. In allergy, the diagnosis uncertainty accounted for 90% of them. The main diagnostics in cardiology were hypertension, congestive heart failure and sinus arrhythmia. In allergy they were asthma and atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: The study reveals potential and relevance of telemedicine training, assistance and research in the SUS.

Análise da pressão da língua em indivíduos adultos jovens brasileiros / Analysis of tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar valores para a pressão da língua em adultos jovens brasileiros, considerando provas específicas e possíveis diferenças quanto ao gênero e tipo de prova. Método: Foram avaliados 51 voluntários de 18 a 28 anos, ambos os gêneros, com boa relação dento-oclusal e sem alterações de fala. Utilizou-se o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument na avaliação da pressão da língua (Kilopascal) durante as provas de elevação, protrusão, deglutição e lateralização, além do teste de resistência (segundos). Na análise dos resultados foi utilizado o ANOVA, seguido do teste de comparações múltiplas Tukey, adotando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os valores obtidos, respectivamente para homens e mulheres, na prova de elevação foram 63,94±12,92 e 50,27±15,29, na protrusão 60,22±13,62 e 44,30±12,95, na deglutição 33,94±12,06 e 34,27±13,25, na lateralização à direita 44,15±10,47 e 31,85±8,46, na lateralização à esquerda 43,15±10,22 e 29,55±8,91, e no teste de resistência 24,85±10,95 e 17,35±6,71. Os homens apresentaram valor maior nas provas de protrusão e de lateralização; os valores das provas de protrusão e elevação não diferiram entre si para o gênero masculino, mas foram maiores que a lateralização e a deglutição em ambos os gêneros; não houve diferença na prova de lateralização em relação ao lado em ambos os gêneros. Conclusão: Valores de pressão da língua em adultos jovens brasileiros foram determinados para provas específicas; o gênero influenciou nos valores das provas de protrusão e lateralização; os valores obtidos nas provas de elevação e protrusão foram maiores que na lateralização e deglutição.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To present the measures for tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults, considering specific tasks, and to verify the differences regarding gender and according to the tasks. Methods: Fifty-one volunteers aged 18 to 28 years, of both genders with normal occlusion and without speech disorders were evaluated. We used the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument in the evaluation of tongue pressure (kilopascal) during specific tests of elevation, protrusion, swallowing, and lateralization, in addition to the endurance test (seconds). The analysis was conducted using analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey's multiple comparison test, adopting a 5% significance level. Results: The values obtained for men and women in the tests were as follows: elevation, 63.94±12.92 and 50.27±15.29; protrusion, 60.22±13.62 and 44.30±12.95; swallowing, 33.94±12.06 and 34.27±13.25; lateralization on the right, 44.15±10.47 and 31.85±8.46; lateralization on the left, 43.15±10.22 and 29.55±8.91; and endurance test: 24.85±10.95 and 17.35±6.71, respectively. The values were higher in men compared with women for the protrusion and lateralization tasks. The measures of the protrusion and elevation tasks did not differ for men but were higher in both genders than those of the lateralization and the swallowing tests. There was no difference in lateralization according to side in both the genders. Conclusion: The measures for the tongue pressure in Brazilian young adults were determined by specific tasks. Gender influenced the pressure of the tongue values for the protrusion and lateralization tasks. Elevation and protrusion tasks measures were higher than those of the lateralization and swallowing tasks.

Swallowing in children with neurologic disorders: clinical and videofluoroscopic evaluations.

BACKGROUND: swallowing in children with neurologic disorders. AIM: to relate the data obtained in the clinical and in the videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing in children with neurologic disorders. METHODS: a retrospective analysis of 24 protocols of speech-language evaluation and of medical records of children, of both genders, referred to clinical and videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing at the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto - University of São Paulo, from January 2001 to June 2005. The following aspects were analyzed in the clinical evaluation: diet consistency, functional aspects of the swallowing mechanism and results of the cervical auscultation. Videofluoroscopic evaluation was performed to determine the dynamic aspects of the oral and pharyngeal phases. RESULTS: during the clinical evaluation of the oral phase, for both liquid and pasty consistencies, a greater occurrence of inadequate bolus control was observed (n = 15 e n = 14, respectively). In the pharyngeal phase, also for both consistencies, an adequate cervical auscultate was more frequently observed before swallowing (n = 16 e n = 13) followed by the inadequate cervical auscultation during swallowing (n = 15 e n = 12). In the videofluoroscopic evaluation, during the oral phase, for both consistencies, the presence of inadequate food propulsion was the most frequent finding (n = 13 e n = 13) and, in the pharyngeal phase, the most frequent finding was the absence of laryngotracheal aspiration (n = 12 e n = 17). There was a statistically significant correlation between the cervical auscultate and the excursion of the hyoid and the larynx, and between the cervical auscultate and laryngotracheal aspiration of liquid and pasty consistencies. CONCLUSION: both procedures are important and complementary in the diagnosis of dysphagia.

Alterações de mastigação e deglutição em crianças com hipertrofia de tonsilas / Mastication and deglutition changes in children with tonsillar hypertrophy

As alterações de mastigação e de deglutição em crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana precisam ser melhor caracterizadas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência das alterações miofuncionais autorreportadas pelos pais, e se há diferenças entre os padrões de alterações entre crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana e as com hipertrofia apenas adenoideana. MÉTODO: Aplicação de questionário e avaliação clínica fonoaudiológica em crianças com hipertrofia de tonsilas com idade entre 3 e 6 anos. Os dados reportados pelos pais foram comparados com os dados obtidos pela avaliação fonoaudiológica; além disso, os dados das crianças com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana foram comparados com as com hipertrofia adenoideana. Desenho científico: coorte transversal. RESULTADOS: As alterações miofuncionais observadas pela fonoaudióloga foram muito mais frequentes do que as reportadas pelos pais e não houve concordância entre os dois achados. As crianças com hipertrofia adenoideana e as com hipertrofia adenoamigdaliana apresentaram o mesmo padrão de alterações miofuncionais. CONCLUSÃO: Os pais relacionam pouco a hipertrofia de tonsilas a alterações na mastigação e na deglutição. A causa da obstrução respiratória parece não interferir no padrão de alteração miofuncional.

The changes in mastication and deglutition in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy need to be better characterized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of parent-reported myofunctional changes and to determine if there are differences in the alteration patterns of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. METHOD: Questionnaire and assessment by a speech therapist of children aged between three and six years with tonsillar hypertrophy. The data reported by the parents were compared to the data obtained from the speech therapist's evaluation; additionally, data from children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy were compared to findings from subjects with adenoid hypertrophy. Study Design: cross-sectional cohort. RESULTS: The myofunctional changes observed by the speech therapist were more frequent than the alterations reported by the parents, and there was no correlation between the two findings. The children with adenoid hypertrophy and the individuals with adenotonsillar hypertrophy had the same pattern of myofunctional alteration. CONCLUSION: Parents cannot clearly correlate tonsillar hypertrophy with changes in mastication and deglutition. The cause of the respiratory obstruction does not seem to interfere in the pattern of myofunctional change.