ABSTRACT:
Purpose:
to describe the characteristics of the chewing profile in children from 3 to 5-years old, correlating it with the chronological age, gender, oral habits, feeding introduction and dental aspects of them.
Methods:
transversal study performed with 60 children of both genders. A pediatric dentistry dental aspects evaluated, followed by evaluation of chewing performed by a speech therapist using French bread and the elaborate protocol for this study. Data analysis was carried through visual observation and video recording and late analysis by blind raters. The responsible answered a questionnaire about the oral habits and food introduction.
Results:
at the 10 items evaluated chewing occurred toggle between the standard expected for all variables. A statistical difference between the posture of lips of three- and four years compared to the five years of age (p<0.001). The predominant mandibular movements of the rotary type evolved with increasing age (p=0.008). No association was found between dental aspects and mastication of children. Association was found between: girls and boys chewing characteristics (p<0.001); mastication evolution according to age (p=0,008); to present oral habits for the item cut so (p=0.003) and was mixed respiratory significant factor in the child hold his mouth open chewing (p=0.01) and to carry out the jaw movements of maceration predominantly (p=0,04).
Conclusion:
for the studied sample, the chewing so presented itself gradually in its evolution and improvement. Found in chewing differentiation according to age, gender, oral habits and breathing mode.
Keywords:
Mastication; Child; Dentition; Stomatognathic System
