Factors associated with masticatory performance among preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI), food consistency, and oral problems on masticatory performance among preschool children.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample composed of 279 children between 3 and 5 years of age allocated to three groups (underweight, ideal weight, and overweight) based on the BMI. Moreover, eating habits, malocclusion, breathing type, masticatory units, and untreated dental caries were investigated. For the evaluation of masticatory performance, the masticatory function test (Optocal) and Rosin-Rammler equation were used for the determination of median size (X50) of shredded food particles for each child. Data analysis involved the description of the frequency of the variables as well as both simple and multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: A larger median participle size was associated with a greater number of cavitated teeth (p < 0.001), greater frequency of the daily ingestion of liquid foods (p = 0.001), and a higher BMI (p < 0001). A greater number of masticatory units (p < 0.001), older age (p = 0.007), and greater frequency of the daily intake of solid foods (p = 0.019) were factors that contributed to a smaller median food particle size.

CONCLUSION: BMI, number of cavitated teeth, number of masticatory units, child's age, and food consistency exerted an influence on masticatory performance among preschool children.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mastication is important for craniofacial growth and development. Thus, dentists should know the factors that affect the masticatory performance among children with primary teeth.