Arun Kumar
PBDS Univeristy of Health Sciences, India
Title: Clinical Measurement Of Maximal Mouth Opening In Children: A Pioneer Method.
Biography
Biography: Arun Kumar
Abstract
Measurement of normal maximum mouth opening (MMO) in children is an important diagnostic criterion in the evaluation of the stomatognathic system. The aim of this study was to determine the MMO in children of age 3 to 12 years and to examine the possible influence of age, gender, height and body weight on MMO. Assessment of MMO was accomplished with a modified Vernier Caliper, by measuring the distance between the incisal edges of the upper and lower incisors during maximal mouth opening up to the painless limit. The study consisted of 1383 children, who were randomly divided into two groups based on their dentition: Group-1: Children with primary dentition, Group-2: Children with mixed dentition. The group-1 was sub-grouped based upon age. Sub-group-1: Children with 3 years of age, Sub-group-2: Children with 4 years of age, Sub-group-3: Children with 5 years of age. The group-2 was sub-grouped in sub-group-4: Children of age 6-8years; Sub-group-5: Children of age 8-10 years; Sub-group-6: Children of age 10-12 years. For each subject three readings were recorded in millimeters and the mean value was considered. The age, gender, height and body weight of each child were also recorded at the same time. P value of <0.05 was considered to be significant. The results of the present study revealed that MMO in Indian children were 41.61 mm, 44.9 mm, 46.81 mm, 46.04 mm, 48.53 mm and 52.38 mm for boys and 40.09 mm, 44.22 mm, 46.2 mm, 45.95 mm, 47.27 mm and 52.05 mm for girls at age of 3, 4, 5, 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12 years, respectively. Furthermore, significant associations were observed in between MMO, age, gender, height and body weight.