Maximal Mandibular Movements among Tanzanian Children.

Abstract

Aim: To determine the maximal mandibular movements among Tanzanian children. Subjects and Methods: Analysis of archived data from 869 subjects aged 3½ -16 years of whom 51% were girls. The emergence status of the permanent teeth was determined and classified into four categories. The study variables were maximal mandibular movement capacity vertically, in laterotrusion and protrusion. Results: The mean maximum mandibular opening ranged from 43.8 to 55.8 mm between emergence stages of the dentition. The mean values for maximal mandibular movements in laterotrusion and protrusion ranged between 6.3 mm and 7.9 mm at the lowest and highest emergence stage among girls and boys. The mean of the maximum mandibular opening for both sexes increased with the emergence stage of the dentition. Conclusion: Sex and emergence stage of the dentition had significant influences on mandibular maximum opening, laterotrusion and protrusion. Similar studies on maximal mandibular movements in different Tanzanian children strata are recommended.