Descriptive Study of Indicators of Oral Function in French Children

Objectives: The maturation of oral function is essential for good general and oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of oral dysfunction in a population of French children in order to evaluate need for care and to elaborate a specific educational programme for children. Methods: 2308 children from 2 to 12 years old and attending 22 different schools in Auvergne (France) were examined and interviewed individually (mean age= 7.22 years, SD= 2.21). Oral health (caries and oral hygiene), number of functional tooth units (FTU), dysmorphology and oral function (chewing, swallowing, breathing and speaking) were evaluated by clinical examination. Nutritional habits and self-evaluation of oral health were assessed by interview. Results: At the age of 11, 43% of the subjects presented one or more types of malocclusion. Chewing difficulties decreased with increase of FTU (P=0.01). The number of FTU was lower when malocclusion existed (P=0.01). For 9 out of 10 children, malocclusion was related to one or more dysfunctions (P=0.01). As early as 9 years old, 43 % of the children with malocclusion showed primitive tongue-thrust swallowing and 66% who had difficulties in speaking presented an overjet and/or an overbite. 70% of children with malocclusion were mouth-breathers. Less than 20% of children presenting maloccusion declared that they were undergoing orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: This study showed a high percentage of malocclusions amongst this group of children. These problems were little described by children and infrequently intercepted by professionals. Early interception is however necessary for the acquisition of efficient mature masticatory function and for the subsequent optimisation of food intake and good social integration. The results of this study may allow the elaboration of a specific educational oral health programme for children.