The EMG activity of the orbicularis oris (upper and lower), and of the mentalis muscles was verified during several movements of the lips, in 18 children ageing from 8 to 12 years, divided into three groups: one with normal occlusion, and two with class II division 1, with atypical swallowing and/or incompetent lips and who had received no orthodontic treatment. In blowing through a straw the muscular activity of the orbicularis oris and the mentalis was significantly greater in the incompetent lips group. The mentalis presented moderate activity in the competent lips group and negligible in normal occlusion. In puffing out of the cheeks, the malocclusion groups developed marked activity of the orbicularis oris and very marked activity of the mentalis, while the normal occlusion presented moderate and negligible activities, respectively. In pursing of the lips, only the incompetent lips group presented a very marked activity of the lower segment. The compression of the lips against the teeth revealed a marked activity of the upper segment of the orbicularis oris in the groups of malocclusion and the mentalis presented greater activity in the competent lips group. The reciprocal compression of the lips presented a hyperactivity of the three muscles.

The function and the level of activity of the orbicularis oris (upper and lower), and of the mentalis muscles were verified electromyographically in resting position and in several movements and carried out in 18 children aged 8-12 years, divided into three groups: one with normal occlusion, and two with Class II division 1, with atypical swallowing and/or incompetent lips, who had received no orthodontic treatment. It was observed that, in a resting position with the lips separated, there was no activity in any of the muscles. When there was a contact of the lips, action potentials were recorded in the muscles studied, in those individuals with incompetent lips. In the movements of sucking either through a straw or a pacifier and the thumb, there were no differences among the groups. The incompetent lips group presented very marked muscle activity of the lower orbicularis oris and mentalis in the movement of sucking a lollipop. In deglutition of saliva, the orbicularis oris presented slight activity, and the mentalis, moderate. In deglutition of water, the mentalis presented very marked activity, whereas, the upper and lower orbicularis oris presented moderate and marked activities, respectively.