Association of occlusion with eating efficiency in children with cerebral palsy and moderate eating impairment.

Purpose: This study focused on the contribution ofthe dental occlusion to chewing efficiency in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Twenty children aged 8.3 +/- 0.9 years participated in this study. Chewing efficiency was measured and biting and drinking skills were noted. Occlusion was determined from extra- and intra-oral photographs and from orthodontic plaster models.

Results: Significant correlatons were found between chewing efficiency and age (r:0.6, P=.006) and the total number of posterior teeth (r:0.7, P<.001). A marginally significant negative correlation was found between the total number of teeth and chewing time for the viscous texture (r:-0.4, P=.06).

Conclusions: A possible association between chewing efficiency and occlusal wear may exist, but will need further examination. There was also a higher frequency of drooling (23%) in children who had an open bite compared to those with a normal bite. These results suggested that occlusal problems affected the efficiency of ingestion in children with CP.