Assessment of orofacial muscle strength, masticatory and swallowing function in children indicated for orthodontic treatment.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate orofacial muscle strength, masticatory and swallowing function in children indicated for orthodontic treatment. Materials and Method Sixty-two volunteers were equally divided into an experimental group (mean age:14.9 ± 2.8, 15 girls) and a control group (15.2 ± 2.3, 15 girls) based on their orthodontic treatment needs. The orofacial muscle strength was measured by recording the maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF), tongue and cheek pressure. Additionally, the participants also performed a food comminution and mixing ability tests to measure their masticatory performance. Swallowing function was assessed with a standardized Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS). Results The results showed significant differences in the MVBF (P = 0.009) but no differences in tongue pressure (P = 0.208) and cheek pressure (P = 0.925) between the groups. The results also showed no significant differences in food comminution test and mixing ability test between the two groups (P = 0.553, P = 0.269, respectively). The results of the TOMASS test showed significant differences in the number of bites to eat the cracker (P = 0.003) but no significant differences in number of chewing cycles (P = 0.855), number of swallows (P = 0.149) or duration to eat the cracker (P = 0.275). Conclusions Patients indicated for orthodontic treatments show poor orofacial muscle strength in terms of lower MVBF with the age and sex matched controls. However, the patient group does not show any signs of impaired masticatory or swallowing function. Clinical relevance: A comprehensive assessment of oral functions in children can enhance clinicians' evaluation of orthodontic treatment needs. MVBF could be a simple and useful tool to evaluate the orthodontic treatment needs.