Clinical Measurement of Normal Maximum Mouth Opening in Children

Abstract

This study was designed to find a method of assessing maximum mouth opening (MMO), using a tool that is proportional to the body size. One hundred two (102) children were selected to participate in the study. MMO, the width of three fingers (index, middle and ring fingers), four fingers (index, middle, ring and little fingers), body height, weight and age of each child were recorded, and the ability of each subject to position the fingers, vertically aligned between the upper and lower central incisors with the mouth maximally open, was documented. All subjects were able to position three fingers between the upper and lower central incisors, while only 37 (36.3%) were able to position four fingers. MMO was significantly different from the width of three and four fingers and was positively correlated with both weight and height and with age. Height, weight, and age showed a moderate to strong correlation with all finger measurements; no gender significant difference was observed for MMO. The findings of this study suggest that the ability to position three fingers between the upper and lower incisors with the mouth wide open can be considered a simple method to quickly evaluate MMO, but that it is not highly reliable.

Fatores que interferem na amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares em crianças

“…The same behavior seems to repeat in adult populations, as suggested by the study that identified a correlation of height with MMO 11 . The authors believe that, in some circumstances, height seems to have a greater influence on MMO than age, since although growth is not continuous and constant in years, at certain periods it can happen faster and in others slower 3 , different, and therefore, the findings among the studied population.…”

“…About-Atme et al 3 in their study of 102 differences for the MMO, RL and protrusion were found. The results are in agreement with the records of the scientific literature, since correlations between this variable and mandibular movements in children were observed 3,12,14 . The same behavior seems to repeat in adult populations, as suggested by the study that identified a correlation of height with MMO 11 .…”

“…Finally, regarding the age, Track-Atme et al 3 argue that there is a wide variety of measurement of MRM found in research involving children.…”

“…Thus, knowledge about the mandibular range of motion (MRM) has been the subject of interest of many researchers 3,10,11 , because this is a relevant tool for the assessment of masticatory functional status 10,12 . In addition, this information enables a valuable follow-up parameter in the treatment of patients affected by TMD 11 .…”

Resection of an upper cervical aneurysmal bone cyst and spinal reconstruction using a midline mandibular osteotomy in a pediatric patient

“…Furthermore, the range of access varies according to the patient's age as well as the nasal and oral anatomy. 1 In addition, spinal instrumentation and reconstruction are difficult through current endoscopic approaches. The high cervical retropharyngeal approach also has a reduced range of access, particularly to the upper cervical spine at and beyond the midline.…”