Bypass gastroplasty impacts oral health, salivary inflammatory biomarkers, and microbiota: a controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge about the impact of gastroplasty on oral health and salivary biomarkers is limited. The aim was to prospectively evaluate oral health status, salivary inflammatory markers, and microbiota in patients undergoing gastroplasty compared with a control group undergoing a dietary program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants with obesity class II/III were included (20 individuals in each sex-matched group; 23-44 years). Dental status, salivary flow, buffering capacity, inflammatory cytokines, and uric acid were assessed. Salivary microbiological analysis (16S-rRNA sequencing) assessed the abundance of genus, species, and alpha diversity. Cluster analysis and mixed-model ANOVA were applied. RESULTS: Oral health status, waist-to-hip ratio, and salivary alpha diversity were associated at baseline. A subtle improvement in food consumption markers was observed, although caries activity increased in both groups, and the gastroplasty group showed worse periodontal status after three months. IFNγ and IL10 levels decreased in the gastroplasty group at 3 months, while a decrease was observed in the control group at 6 months; IL6 decreased in both groups (p < 0.001). Salivary flow and buffering capacity did not change. Significant changes in Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas endodontalis abundance were observed in both groups, while alpha diversity (Sobs, Chao1, Ace, Shannon, and Simpson) increased in the gastroplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions changed in different degrees the salivary inflammatory biomarkers and microbiota, but did not improve the periodontal status after 6 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the observed discrete improvement in dietary habits, caries activity increased with no clinical improvement in the periodontal status, emphasizing the need of oral health monitoring during obesity treatment.

Impact of gastroplasty on salivary characteristics, dental health status and oral sensory aspects: A controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Saliva is a non-invasive source of biomarkers useful in the study of different pathophysiological conditions. The qualitative and quantitative study of saliva, as well as the assessment of oral health, can be particularly useful for a better understanding of obesity due to its importance in the food oral perception and ingestion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of treatment of morbid obesity (dietary counselling versus gastroplasty) on salivary characteristics, oral sensory perception and dental health in a controlled study. METHODS: Seventy-three adults (60 females; 19-59 years) with morbid obesity were divided in: Control group (CG; n = 34) followed-up during a 6-months dietary programme, and Gastroplasty group (GG; n = 39) evaluated immediately before, 3 and 6 months after gastroplasty. Dietary habits, Oral Health Impact Profile and xerostomia complaints were investigated by interview. The clinical examination included anthropometric and caries experience evaluation. Salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, total protein and alpha-amylase levels, and sensitivity for the four basic tastes were assessed. Two-way mixed model and sign test were applied. RESULTS: Physical and clinical aspects did not differ between groups in the beginning of the study, and GG showed a rapid weight loss after surgery (p < .001). An improvement in most of the dietary aspects was observed, especially in the GG. A worsening in the dental health status was observed over time in both groups, with an increase in the number of filled and decayed teeth. CG showed a better oral health-related quality of life, while xerostomia complains increased in GG after gastroplasty. Salivary flow rate remained stable in both groups, but a decrease in buffering capacity, total protein and alpha-amylase activity was observed in GG after 6-months; taste sensitivity increased from baseline to 6-months in GG (p < .05). CONCLUSION: After 6-months of follow-up, patients undergoing gastroplasty presented an improvement in dietary habits and taste sensitivity. However, changes in saliva composition and a worsening in dental health status and xerostomia complaints were also observed.

Identifying predictive factors for sleep bruxism severity using clinical and polysomnographic parameters: a principal component analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim was to identify predictive factors for sleep bruxism (SB) severity among polysomnographic parameters, salivary cortisol levels, temporomandibular disorders, age, and sex. METHODS: Young adults (19-30 years) were screened for self-/roommate reports of teeth grinding/clenching during sleep associated with clinical signs of tooth wear. Individuals positive for both conditions were administered a polysomnographic exam to provide a definite diagnosis of SB (n = 28). Healthy participants without SB signs/symptoms were also included (n = 15). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was applied to determine functional, muscular, and articular domains of the Temporomandibular Index. Cortisol awakening levels were measured in saliva. Principal component analysis was used to extract the latent components emerging from polysomnographic results, and 2 regression models were adjusted to predict the number and duration of bruxism episodes. RESULTS: Principal component analysis resulted in 4 components-C1: %N1, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, arousals/microarousals; C2: %N2, %N3; C3: periodic limb movements and apneas; C4: %REM and REM latency. The number of SB episodes/h was predicted by increasing muscular scores and C2 (decrease in %N2 and increase in %N3) (adjusted R² = 45%; P =.001). The total time of SB episodes was predicted by decreased articular and increased functional scores, age, and female sex (adjusted R² = 36%; P = 0.010). Salivary cortisol levels were not associated with SB severity and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that SB severity was predicted by muscular and functional scores, female sex, and distinct polysomnographic patterns, contributing to the deeper knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of SB severity; additionally, the findings can help to formulate health approaches that are specific to the patient and will better assist in treating this condition.

Malva sylvestris derivatives as inhibitors of HIV-1 BaL infection.

The emphasis of the present study is to evaluate a natural product and the potential microbicide activity using a dual chamber infection method. Malva sylvestris extracts and fractions were screened for anti-HIV activity by measuring the virus-antibody neutralization. Plant extracts with strong antiviral activity working in nanomolar or picomolar range can be used to enhance the activity of synthetic compounds and work as anti-HIV agents. The aqueous fraction (AF) of M. sylvestris demonstrated antiviral activity in a model with epithelial and blood cell lines. The AF showed an effective antiviral potential on the TZM-bl cells with reduction scores higher than 60% of infectivity. Quantification of p24 in the supernatant of the co-culture model demonstrated a reduction in the number of viral particles after AF treatment (p < 0.05). Cytokines were quantified and all signaling inflammatory markers; IL1-alpha, IL-beta, IL-6, IL-8 and GM-CSF (p < 0.05) were modulated by positive control and AF treatments. In particular, IL-6 had lower levels of expression in Malva groups when compared to the Zidovudine positive control group. Natural occurring derivatives of M. sylvestris demonstrated to work inhibiting reverse transcriptase enzyme action. M. sylvestris contains highly potential anti-HIV-1 BaL components and may be considered a potential source for new formulations in the development of topical microbicides.

Oral Health and Nutritional Characteristics of Adults With Morbid Obesity: A Multivariate Analysis.

The relationship between oral health and nutritional aspects are complex, especially in individuals with chronic diseases and comorbidities, such as morbid obesity. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify oral health and nutritional-related patterns in 113 individuals, aged 19-68 years (92 females), seeking treatment for morbid obesity. Sociodemographic variables and medical records were examined, in addition to the consumption of fruit, vegetables, candies, and processed foods. Measures of body mass index, neck, waist and hip, caries experience (DMFT index), Community Periodontal Index (CPI index), and salivary physicochemical aspects were gathered. Aspects of oral health-related quality of life and symptoms of dry mouth were evaluated by means of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Xerostomia Inventory-XI questionnaires. K-means cluster analysis and, subsequently, comparisons between clusters (one-way ANOVA) were performed (α = 5%). Three clusters were generated: Cluster 1 (labeled "Young"; n = 77) was characterized by younger participants with higher BMI, who reported the use of distractors while eating, the smallest number of meals/day, and who consumed sweetened drinks and processed food the day before. Cluster 2 (labeled "Diabetic individuals"; n = 12) was characterized by older participants with the highest proportion of diabetic participants (100% were diabetic; 73% insulin users), lower BMI, higher DMFT index and OHIP-14 and xerostomia scores, and who reported having consumed fruit and vegetables the day before. Finally, Cluster 3 (labeled "Poor periodontal health"; n = 24) was characterized by participants with the worse periodontal condition (higher CPI), and lower salivary flow, pH, and buffer capacity. Cluster 1 and 2 were the groups that showed higher demand for nutritional and dietetic counseling, because of the poor eating behavior and higher serum glucose levels, respectively. On the other hand, Cluster 2 and 3 showed the higher demand for oral rehabilitation and dental treatment because of the loss of teeth and worse periodontal condition, respectively, besides the need for dietetic counseling. This sample of individuals with morbid obesity showed very unique oral-health and nutritional characteristics and special needs patterns that should be identified to adjust or change unhealthy habits, thus improving the assistance of this condition.

Lack of agreement between objective and subjective measures in the evaluation of masticatory function: A preliminary study.

The evaluation of mastication is important to understand the masticatory behavior and diagnose feeding difficulties. The objective of this preliminary study was to verify if there is agreement between objective and subjective validated methods of chewing evaluation in a convenience sample which consisted of 32 adolescents (mean 15.5years), complete permanent dentition and free of tooth decay. The Quality of Masticatory Function Questionnaire with the Food-Mastication, Habits, Meat, Fruit and Vegetables domains was used in the subjective evaluation. The objective aspects consisted of maximum bite force (BF) and masticatory performance (MP) by mastication of cubes of test-material and sieving to determine the median particle size (X50) and distribution in the sieves ("b"), and by the colorimetric method using colorchangeable chewing gum. Data were submitted to exploratory analysis, normality test and correlation tests (Pearson/Spearman). The correlation between BF and X50 (r=-0.43; p=0.02) and between BF and MP chewing gum (r=0.53; p=0.002) was significant with large effect size. The MP evaluated by chewing gum correlated with X50 (r=-0.34; p=0.055), but not with "b" (r=-0.06; p=0.73), while "b" correlated only with X50 (r=0.52, p=0.002). No significant correlation was observed between the objective measures and the total score of the subjective evaluation; only a negative correlation was observed between "b" and Meat domain (r=-0.40; p=0.023). The objective methods showed moderate correlation with each other and no agreement between the objective and subjective methods was observed in this sample of healthy adolescents, emphasizing the importance of both aspects in the evaluation of masticatory function.

Salivary stress biomarkers and anxiety symptoms in children with and without temporomandibular disorders.

The etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are considered as a heterogeneous group of psychophysiological disturbances, remains a controversial issue in clinical dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate whether the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol levels, and anxiety symptoms differ between children with and without TMD. Initially, 316 young subjects were screened in public schools (nonreferred sample); 76 subjects aged 7-14 years were selected and comprised the TMD and control groups with 38 subjects each matched by sex, age, and the presence/absence of sleep bruxism. Four saliva samples were collected: upon waking, 30 min and 1 h after awakening (fasting), and at night (at 8 PM) on 2 alternate days to examine the diurnal profiles of cortisol and sAA. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-Brazilian version). Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation tests were used for data analysis. No significant differences were observed in the salivary cortisol area under the curve (AUCG mean ± SD = 90.22 ± 63.36 × 94.21 ± 63.13 µg/dL/min) and sAA AUCG (mean ± SD = 2544.52 ± 2142.00 × 2054.03 ± 1046.89 U/mL/min) between the TMD and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05); however, the clinical groups differed in social anxiety domain (t = 3.759; CI = 2.609, 8.496), separation/panic (t = 2.243; CI = 0.309, 5.217), physical symptoms (U = 433.500), and MASC total score (t = -3.527; CI = -23.062, -6.412), with a power of the test >80% and large effect size (d = 0.80), with no significant correlation between the MASC total score, cortisol, and sAA levels. Although children with TMD scored higher in anxiety symptoms, no difference was observed in the salivary stress biomarkers between children with and without TMD.

Salivary stress biomarkers and anxiety symptoms in children with and without temporomandibular disorders

Abstract The etiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are considered as a heterogeneous group of psychophysiological disturbances, remains a controversial issue in clinical dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate whether the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol levels, and anxiety symptoms differ between children with and without TMD. Initially, 316 young subjects were screened in public schools (nonreferred sample); 76 subjects aged 7-14 years were selected and comprised the TMD and control groups with 38 subjects each matched by sex, age, and the presence/absence of sleep bruxism. Four saliva samples were collected: upon waking, 30 min and 1 h after awakening (fasting), and at night (at 8 PM) on 2 alternate days to examine the diurnal profiles of cortisol and sAA. Anxiety symptoms were screened using the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC-Brazilian version). Shapiro-Wilk test, Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation tests were used for data analysis. No significant differences were observed in the salivary cortisol area under the curve (AUCG mean ± SD = 90.22 ± 63.36 × 94.21 ± 63.13 µg/dL/min) and sAA AUCG (mean ± SD = 2544.52 ± 2142.00 × 2054.03 ± 1046.89 U/mL/min) between the TMD and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05); however, the clinical groups differed in social anxiety domain (t = 3.759; CI = 2.609, 8.496), separation/panic (t = 2.243; CI = 0.309, 5.217), physical symptoms (U = 433.500), and MASC total score (t = −3.527; CI = −23.062, −6.412), with a power of the test >80% and large effect size (d = 0.80), with no significant correlation between the MASC total score, cortisol, and sAA levels. Although children with TMD scored higher in anxiety symptoms, no difference was observed in the salivary stress biomarkers between children with and without TMD.

Evaluation of masticatory and salivary parameters in preschool children with different morphological occlusion / Avaliação dos parâmetros mastigatórios e salivares em crianças pré-escolares com diferente oclusão morfológica

Objetivos: Para compreender melhor a relação entre má oclusão e as funções mastigatória e salivar na dentição decídua, objetivou-se avaliar as diferenças na performance mastigatória (PM), morfologia facial (MF), força de mordida (FM) e parâmetros salivares em 65 pré-escolares com oclusão normal (n = 22), mordida cruzada funcional posterior (n = 20) e mordida aberta anterior (n = 23) e explorar a relação entre essas variáveis. Materiais e Métodos: PM, MF e FM foram avaliados pelo método de peneiragem, antropometria e gnatodinamômetro, respectivamente. O fluxo salivar estimulado (SE) e não estimulado (SNE) e composição salivar foram mensurados por técnica colorimétrica automatizada. Os dados foram analisados utilizandose ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis, teste-t/Wilcoxon e teste de correlação de Pearson/Spearman. A relação entre fluxo salivar e as demais variáveis independentes foi avaliada por regressão linear múltipla. Resultados: A dimensão facial inferior foi menor no grupo com mordida cruzada e observou-se menor FM no lado cruzado do arco dentário. A FM correlacionou-se positivamente com a largura intergoníaca no grupo com mordida aberta. Nos grupos com má oclusão, uma melhor PM relacionou-se com as larguras bizigomática e intergoniana. O fluxo de SNE foi menor no grupo com mordida cruzada e a concentração de proteína total diferiu entre SE e SNE apenas no grupo com mordida cruzada, sendo menor na SNE. A atividade da amilase foi maior na SE em relação à SNE em todos os grupos. O fluxo de SE mostrou relação positiva com a idade e negativa com a presença de maloclusão. Conclusão: Em crianças de pouca idade foram encontradas correlações significativas entre os parâmetros mastigatórios e as dimensões faciais; além disso, parâmetros mastigatórios e salivares importantes diferiram entre crianças com diferentes tipos de oclusão, mostrando a importância da avaliação precoce destes parâmetros.(AU)

Objective: To better understand the relationship between malocclusion and masticatory and salivary functions in the primary dentition, the aim was to evaluate the differences in masticatory performance (MP), facial morphology (FM), maximal bite force (BF) and salivary parameters in 65 preschool children with normal occlusion (n = 22), functional posterior crossbite (n = 20) and anterior open bite (n = 23), and to explore the relationship between these variables. Material and Methods: MP, FM and BF were assessed by sieving method, anthropometry and gnatodynamometer, respectively. Stimulated (SS) and unstimulated (US) saliva flow and composition were measured by automated colorimetric technique. Data were analyzed using ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis, t-test/Wilcoxon and Pearson/Spearman correlation test. The relationship between SS flow rate and the independent variables were assessed using multiple linear regression. Results: The lower face dimension was smaller in crossbite-group, and a decreased BF in the crossbite-side of the dental arch was observed. BF correlated positively with intergonial width in open bite group. In malocclusion groups, better MP correlated with byzigomatic and intergonial widths. US flow rate was lower in crossbite-group and total protein concentration differed between SS and US saliva only in the crossbite-group, being lower in US. Amylase activity was higher in SS than US in all groups. SS flow rate related positively with age and negatively with the presence of malocclusion. Conclusion: In young subjects, significant correlations were found between masticatory parameters and facial dimensions; in addition, some important masticatory and salivary parameters differed between children with diferent morphological occlusions, hence the importance of the early assessment of these parameters.(AU)

Descriptive analysis of the masticatory and salivary functions and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to better understand salivary and masticatory characteristics, this study evaluated the relationship among salivary parameters, bite force (BF), masticatory performance (MP) and gustatory sensitivity in healthy children. The secondary outcome was to evaluate possible gender differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixteen eutrophic subjects aged 7-11 years old were evaluated, caries-free and with no definite need of orthodontic treatment. Salivary flow rate and pH, total protein (TP), alpha-amylase (AMY), calcium (CA) and phosphate (PHO) concentrations were determined in stimulated (SS) and unstimulated saliva (US). BF and MP were evaluated using digital gnathodynamometer and fractional sieving method, respectively. Gustatory sensitivity was determined by detecting the four primary tastes (sweet, salty, sour and bitter) in three different concentrations. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney/t-test, Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis, considering α = 0.05. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation between taste and age was observed. CA and PHO concentrations correlated negatively with salivary flow and pH; sweet taste scores correlated with AMY concentrations and bitter taste sensitivity correlated with US flow rate (p < 0.05). No significant difference between genders in salivary, masticatory characteristics and gustatory sensitivity was observed. The regression analysis showed a weak relationship between the distribution of chewed particles among the different sieves and BF. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of some analytes was influenced by salivary flow and pH. Age, saliva flow and AMY concentrations influenced gustatory sensitivity. In addition, salivary, masticatory and taste characteristics did not differ between genders, and only a weak relation between MP and BF was observed.

Evaluation of masticatory parameters in overweight and obese children.

OBJECTIVES: Mastication is an essential function that prepares the food for swallowing and digestion and may be related to nutritional status. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the masticatory parameters in overweight and obese children and the relation between bite force and anthropometric evaluation, food consistency, breast/bottle-feeding, and occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 204 children of both genders, age range 8-10 years, divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese. Unilateral bite force was measured using a digital gnatodynamometer with 10mm force fork. Anthropometric and nutritional evaluation involved the measurements of body mass index and skeletal muscle mass using bioelectric impedance analysis. Occlusion was evaluated as regards orthodontic treatment need and food consistency was analysed using a structured questionnaire. In addition, the time of breast- and bottle-feeding was investigated. The results were submitted to chi-square and correlation tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression to determine the relation between bite force and the independent variables under study (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the time of breast- and bottle-feeding and food consistency did not differ among groups. The regression model showed that body mass index, orthodontic treatment need, and body skeletal muscle mass contributed significantly to the variation in bite force. CONCLUSIONS: Breast- and bottle-feeding behaviour and food consistency did not differ in normal-weight, overweight, and obese children. However, bite force was dependent on body skeletal muscle mass, body mass index, and orthodontic treatment need.

Antifungal Activity of Alkaloids Against Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a pathogen in the mouth responsible for opportunistic infections that are usually harmless. Natural products have been used to develop several drugs, mostly anticancer and anti-infective agents. Among these, alkaloids have been studied for their medicinal properties. In this study, we examined their antifungal activity against C. albicans in vitro. Among the alkaloids studied in this work, berberine hydrochloride showed the best activity against C. albicans.

Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of the primary dentition affected by amelogenesis imperfecta.

The objective of this case report was to describe the oral rehabilitation of a five-year-old boy patient diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) in the primary dentition. AI is a group of hereditary disorders that affects the enamel structure. The patient was brought to the dental clinic complaining of tooth hypersensitivity during meals. The medical history and clinical examination were used to arrive at the diagnosis of AI. The treatment was oral rehabilitation of the primary molars with stainless steel crowns and resin-filled celluloid forms. The main objectives of the selected treatment were to enhance the esthetics, restore masticatory function, and eliminate the teeth sensitivity. The child was monitored in the pediatric dentistry clinic at four-month intervals until the mixed dentition stage. Treatment not only restored function and esthetic, but also showed a positive psychological impact and thereby improved perceived quality of life. The preventive, psychological, and curative measures of a young child with AI were successful. This result can encourage the clinicians to seek a cost-effective technique such as stainless steel crowns, and resin-filled celluloid forms to reestablish the oral functions and improve the child's psychosocial development.

Avaliação do dimorfismo sexual e da relação entre as características craniofaciais, dos arcos dentários e do músculo masseter na fase de dentição mista / Evaluation of sexual dimorphism and the relationship between craniofacial, dental arch and masseter muscle characteristics in mixed dentition

Objetivo avaliar o dimorfismo sexual e a relação entre as características morfológicas craniofaciais, dos arcos dentários e do músculo masseter na fase de dentição mista. Métodos 32 crianças, com idade entre 6-10 anos (14♀/18♂) com oclusão normal, compuseram a amostra. Características morfológicas craniofaciais, dos arcos dentários e espessura do masseter foram avaliadas por meio de radiografia cefalométrica posteroanterior, modelos em gesso e ultrassonografia, respectivamente. Os resultados foram analisados utilizando testes Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney/teste “t” e regressão linear múltipla para avaliar a relação entre a largura da face e idade, gênero, índice de massa corporal, espessura do masseter, distâncias intermolares e intercaninos (entre cúspides e pontos cervicais) e larguras nasal, maxilar, mandibular e intermolar. Resultados a espessura do masseter não diferiu significativamente entre os lados esquerdo e direito. A comparação entre os gêneros mostrou diferença significativa apenas na largura da face (maior em meninos). O modelo de regressão mostrou que a largura da face relacionou-se positivamente com o índice de massa corporal, espessura do masseter, distâncias intermolares (cúspides) e intercaninos (cervicais) inferiores e largura intermolar maxilar; e negativamente com a distância intermolares superiores (cúspides) e inferiores (cervicais) e intercaninos inferiores (cervicais). Ou seja, quando as demais variáveis foram adicionadas ao modelo, a variável explanatória gênero não alcançou valor significativo. Conclusão na amostra avaliada, a espessura do masseter e dimensões dos arcos dentários não diferiram entre gêneros; além disso, a largura da face mostrou relação ...

Purpose to evaluate sexual dimorphism and the relationship between craniofacial characteristics, dental arch morphology and masseter muscle thickness in children in the mixed dentition stage. Methods the study sample comprised 32 children, aged 6-10 years (14♀/18♂) with normal occlusion. Craniofacial characteristics, dental morphology and masseter muscle thickness were evaluated by means of posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs, dental cast evaluation and ultrasound exam, respectively. The results were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney/t-test and stepwise linear regression to assess the relation between face width and age, gender, body mass index, masseter thickness, distances between first molars and canines on dental casts (between cusps/cervical points), nasal, maxillary, mandibular and intermolar widths. Results masseter thickness showed no significant difference between the sides left/right. The comparison between genders showed significant difference only in face width, being larger in boys. The regression model showed that face width was positively related with body mass index, masseter thickness, mandibular first molar distances (cusps), mandibular canine distances (cervical points), and maxillary intermolar width; and negatively with maxillary (cusps) and mandibular molar distances (cervical points) and mandibular canine distances (cusps). That is, when the other studied variables were considered, the explanatory variable gender did not reach a significant value. Conclusion in the studied sample, the dimensions of the dental arches and masseter thickness did not differ between boys and girls; moreover, face width showed significant relationship with body mass index, masseter thickness, and dimensions of dental arches; but gender did not contribute significantly to face width variation. .

Assessment of masticatory performance, bite force, orthodontic treatment need and orofacial dysfunction in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have evaluated the relationship between morphological and functional characteristics of the masticatory apparatus in young subjects. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate masticatory performance (MP), maximal bite force (BF), orthodontic treatment need and orofacial dysfunction in children and adolescents. DESIGN: The sample consisted of 316 subjects of both genders, with an age range 6-16years divided into 4 groups: early mixed, intermediate mixed, late mixed and permanent dentition. MP was evaluated by the individual's ability to comminute a chewable test material in order to determine median particle size (X(50)) and distribution of particles in different sieves ("b"). BF was determined using a digital gnatodynamometer with fork strength of 10mm. Orofacial function and orthodontic treatment need were screened using the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) protocol and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), respectively. The results were submitted to descriptive statistics, normality test, analysis of variance and stepwise multiple linear regression to test relationship between MP and studied independent variables. RESULTS: Variance of X(50) and b between groups was statistically significant. But evaluation of variables that significantly contributed to MP variation showed that age, body mass index (BMI), BF and the presence of sleep bruxism were negatively related to X(50) and the NOT-S clinical exam scores showed a positive relationship with X(50). CONCLUSION: In the studied sample, age, BMI, BF and the presence of sleep bruxism were related to better MP; but the increase in NOT-S scores was significantly related to poorer MP.