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Abstract
Mandibular movement values are an important parameter within the clinical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint. Limited or increased movement is a sign of dysfunction. Normal values used as reference correspond to adult populations, and information on child populations is scant. The aim of this study was to establish reference measurements of children with primary (Group A) and mixed dentition (Group B) without signs of temporomandibular disorders. The study population comprised 212 boys and girls, aged 3 to 11 years, attending a state school in the San Martín district in the province of Buenos Aires, who presented no joint sounds, clicking or pain. A calibrated operator determined maximal opening, protrusion, and lateral movements. Group A (n=105): mean age 4.61±0.9; maximal opening 38.59 mm ±4.03; protrusion 3.71 mm±1.79; right lateral movement 5.43 mm±1.83 and left lateral movement 5.52 mm ± 1.73. Group B (n= 107): mean age 6.9±1.65; maximal opening 41.97 mm ± 5.27; protrusion 3.96 mm±1.92; right lateral movement 6.05 mm±1.99 and left lateral movement 6.13 mm±2.21. Opening and lateral movements were found to increase with age. Comparison between groups using Welch t Test showed significant differences in maximal opening (p<0.0001), right (p= 0.0191) and left (p=0.0262) lateral movement. Conclusions: Mandibular movements are associated with growth. Mandibular movements of pediatric patients must be assessed in relation to age and type of dentition.
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Notes on contributors
Silvina G. Cortese
Dr. Silvina G. Cortese received her D.D.S. degree from Buenos Aires University in 1982, specialized in pediatric dentistry, and earned a Ph.D. degree in 1990 from the same university. Since 1998, she has been an assistant professor at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Buenos Aires University and is a member of the TMJ Interdisciplinary Team. Dr. Cortese is a professor of undergraduate studies and has taught more than 100 post graduate pedodontics courses and lectured at over 30 international congresses. She is a member of the Argentine Society of International Research (IADR) and has authored twenty scientific papers in 14 publications.
Liliana M. Oliver
Dr. Liliana M. Oliver received her D.D.S. degree in 1972 from the University of Buenos Aires. Since 1998, she has been a teaching assistant at the same university and provides individual tutorial assistance to undergraduate and post graduate students. Dr. Oliver is a member of the School Health Program of the San Martin municipal government and is a member of the Argentine Society of International Research with six publications to her credit.
Ana María Biondi
Dr. Ana María Biondi received her D.D.S. from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1974 and a specialty in pediatric dentistry in 1979 from the same university. Since 1993, she has been an assistant professor at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School, University of Buenos Aires. Dr. Biondi’s research experience includes pediatric dentistry, bruxism, and TMD in children. She has conducted over 100 course lectures and been published in numerous national journals.