Determination of range of mandibular movements in children without temporomandibular disorders.

Unlabelled: Mandibular movement values are an important parameter within the clinical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint. Limited or increased movement is a sign of dysfunction. Normal values used as reference correspond to adult populations, and information on child populations is scant. The aim of this study was to establish reference measurements of children with primary (Group A) and mixed dentition (Group B) without signs of temporomandibular disorders. The study population comprised 212 boys and girls, aged 3 to 11 years, attending a state school in the San Martin district in the province of Buenos Aires, who presented no joint sounds, clicking or pain. A calibrated operator determined maximal opening, protrusion, and lateral movements. Group A (n=105): mean age 4.61+/-0.9; maximal opening 38.59 mm +/- 4.03; protrusion 3.71 mm+/-1.79; right lateral movement 5.43 mm+/-1.83 and left lateral movement 5.52 mm +/- 1.73. Group B (n= 107): mean age 6.9+/-1.65; maximal opening 41.97 mm +/- 5.27; protrusion 3.96 mm+/-1.92; right lateral movement 6.05 mm+/-1.99 and left lateral movement 6.13 mm+/-2.21. Opening and lateral movements were found to increase with age. Comparison between groups using Welch t Test showed significant differences in maximal opening (p<0.0001), right (p= 0.0191) and left (p=0.0262) lateral movement.

Conclusions: Mandibular movements are associated with growth. Mandibular movements of pediatric patients must be assessed in relation to age and type of dentition.