Relationship between tongue pressure and maxillofacial morphology in Japanese children based on skeletal classification

Abstract

During childhood, perioral muscle function is closely associated with malocclusion. To clarify the effects of tongue function on maxillofacial morphology in children, tongue pressure and maximum lip-closing force (LCF) were measured and the relationship between perioral muscle function and maxillofacial morphology was evaluated according to the skeletal classification. Maximum tongue pressure (MTP) and swallowing tongue pressure (STP) were measured on the anterior palatine rugae in 100 children (Hellman's dental stages IIIA-IIIC) using a balloon-type tongue pressure measurement device. Lip-closing force was measured using an LCF measurement device. Lateral cephalograms were examined to classify subjects into skeletal (S)-I, S-II and S-III groups. Correlations of skeletal classification with tongue pressure and LCF were examined. Correlations of lateral cephalometric measurements with palatal volume (PV), measured using a three-dimensional optical scanner, were evaluated. Maximum tongue pressure was significantly lower in the S-II group than in other groups. Swallowing tongue pressure was significantly lower in the S-II group than in the S-III group. Lip-closing force was significantly higher in the S-III group than in other groups. Swallowing tongue pressure was positively correlated with MTP and PV. Correlations between tongue pressure and anteroposterior skeletal classification indicated the importance of quantitative tongue function assessment.

Oral dysfunction as a cause of malocclusion

“…39 Lingualpalatal stabilization for the swallow is far weaker in children with PCB. 40 This swallowing pattern reinforces a low resting posture, contributing to HNP, PCB and further malocclusion. 41…”

“…A tongue thrust swallow involves excessive perioral effort and the tongue exerts forward and/or lateral pressure into the teeth, rather than vertical pressure into the hard palate with a front to back motion . Lingual‐palatal stabilization for the swallow is far weaker in children with PCB . This swallowing pattern reinforces a low resting posture, contributing to HNP, PCB and further malocclusion …”

Tongue pressure distribution of individual normal occlusions and exploration of related factors

“…Maximum tongue pressure and swallowing tongue pressure were significantly lower in the skeletal class II group, 29 which might be caused by mandibular retrusion in class II patients. Lip closing force of skeletal class III patients was smaller than control group.…”

Pre‐operative parafunctional or dysfunctional oral habits are associated with the temporomandibular disorders after orthognathic surgery: An observational cohort study

“…The association between dysfunctional oral habits and dentofacial deformities is complex, and it is difficult to clarify whether the dysfunction caused the deformity or vice versa. However, it is clear that deformities and dysfunctions are collectively responsible for the maxillofacial balance.…”

“…To our knowledge, no study has investigated the influence of dysfunctional and parafunctional oral habits on TMJ health after orthognathic surgery when these habits are commonly reported in patients with dentofacial deformities and are known risk factors for TMD in the general population. In fact, parafunctional habits such as bruxism and thumb or nipple sucking and dysfunctions such as labial incompetence, tongue thrusting, dysfunctional swallowing and excessive mouth breathing are frequent in patients with malocclusions . These were proven to be risk factors for relapse after orthodontic–surgical treatment .…”