The Impact of Asymmetrical Occlusion on Children in the Mixed Dentition Period: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Asymmetrical occlusion in children may influence maxillofacial development and oral function, yet its clinical relevance remains underexplored.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between asymmetrical occlusion and oral/physical functions in schoolchildren during the mixed dentition period.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of 374 (192 boys and 182 girls) schoolchildren (Hellman's dental age IIIA-IVA) was conducted. Asymmetry indices (AIs) were calculated using occlusal force/contact area data measured with the dental prescale. Oral and physical functions were assessed using masticatory performance, grip strength, and walking speed. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

AI, an indicator of unilateral occlusion, varied significantly across dental age groups (p = 0.011), peaking in stage IIIC. In IIIA, AI was correlated with age and masticatory performance; in IIIB and IIIC, it correlated with both oral and physical functions; and in IVA, with body size. Multiple regression revealed that lower occlusal force/area and slower chewing rates significantly explained greater asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetrical occlusion in the mixed dentition showed weak but significant correlations with some oral functions, without consistent links to physical functions. Its cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, warranting further longitudinal studies.