Bite force evaluation in subjects with cleft lip and palate

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the masticatory function of subjects with cleft lip and palate by analyzing the bite force developed by these individuals. Bite force was evaluated in a group of 27 individuals with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (14 males and 13 females - aged 18-26 years) and compared to the data achieved from a group of 20 noncleft subjects (10 males and 10 females - aged 18-26 years). Measurement was achieved on three positions within the dental arch (incisors, right molars and left molars), three times at each position considering the highest value for each one. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test ( α = 5 percent). There was a significant deficit in bite force in male individuals with cleft lip and palate compared to the male control group (p=0.02, p=0.004, p=0.003 for incisors, right and left molars, respectively). For the female group, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.79, p=0.06, p=0.47). In the group of individuals with clefts, 92.6 percent were under orthodontic treatment, which could be a reason for the present findings, since it can decrease the bite force more remarkably in males than in females. In conclusion, the bite force is significantly reduced in men when comparing the cleft group to the noncleft group. In females, this reduction was not significant in the same way. However, the main reason for this reduction and for the different behavior between genders should be further investigated.

Maximal bite force in young adults with temporomandibular disorders and bruxism

Parafunctional habits, such as bruxism, are contributory factors for temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the maximal bite force (MBF) in the presence of TMD and bruxism (TMDB) in young adults. Twelve women (mean age 21.5 years) and 7 men (mean age 22.4 years), composed the TMDB group. Ten healthy women and 9 men (mean age 21.4 and 22.4 years, respectively) formed the control group. TMD symptoms were evaluated by a structured questionnaire and clinical signs/symptoms were evaluated during clinical examination. A visual analogical scale (VAS) was applied for stress assessment. MBF was measured with a gnatodynamometer. The subjects were asked to bite 2 times with maximal effort, during 5 seconds, with a rest interval of about one minute. The highest values were considered. The data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilks W-test, descriptive statistics, paired or unpaired t tests or Mann-Whitney tests when indicated, and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). TMDB women presented lower values of MBF as compared to those presented by TMDB men and by the control group. MBF for TMDB men was similar to that of the control group. The proportion of TMDB women with muscle pain and facial/teeth/head pain upon waking up was significantly higher than that of men. Control women presented significantly lower stress scores than the others. It was concluded that MBF was reduced in TMDB women, as they presented more signs and symptoms. Men presented higher MBF values than women, but TMD and bruxism did not significantly decrease MBF. Stress was not an influencing factor for TMD and bruxism in men.

Hábitos parafuncionais, como o bruxismo, podem contribuir para a disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a força de mordida máxima (FMM) na presença de DTM e bruxismo (DTMB) em adultos jovens. Doze mulheres (idade média de 21,5 anos) e sete homens (idade média 22,4 anos) compuseram o grupo DTMB. O grupo controle foi formado por 10 mulheres e 9 homens saudáveis, com idades médias de 21,4 e 22,4 anos, respectivamente. Os sintomas de DTM foram avaliados com um questionário estruturado, e os sinais/sintomas clínicos foram avaliados no exame clínico. Para avaliar estresse, utilizou-se a escala analógica visual (VAS). A FMM foi mensurada com gnatodinamômetro, e o participante foi orientado a morder com o máximo esforço durante 5 segundos, duas vezes, com intervalo de aproximadamente 1 minuto, considerando-se os valores máximos. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilks, estatística descritiva, teste t pareado e independente, Mann-Whitney e exato de Fisher (p < 0,05). As mulheres do grupo DTMB apresentaram FMM menor que os homens do grupo DTMB e do grupo controle. A FMM entre os homens do grupo DTMB foi similar à do grupo controle. A proporção de mulheres no Grupo DTMB com dor muscular e em face/dentes/cabeça ao acordar foi significativamente maior do que a proporção de homens. As mulheres do grupo controle apresentaram escores do estresse significativamente menores. Concluiu-se que a FMM foi reduzida em mulheres com DTM e bruxismo devido ao maior número de sinais e sintomas. Os homens apresentaram maior FMM do que as mulheres, mas a presença de DTM e bruxismo não diminuiu significativamente a FMM. O estresse não influenciou a presença de DTM e bruxismo nos homens.

Avaliaçäo aerodinâmica da funçäo laríngea em indivíduos com fissura de palato operada / Aerodynamic evaluation of laryngeal function in operated cleft palate subjects

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com a finalidade de identificar anormalidades da funçäo larígea em portadores de fissura de palato reparada com inadequaçäo velofaríngea. Foram determinados, por meio de um espirômetro, o fluxo médio fonatório (FMF) na produçäo mantida da vogal /a/ e o quociente fonatório (QF) na manobra da capacidade vital em 20 adultos fissurados e em um grupo controle de 20 adultos sem anormalidades vocais e laríngeas. Os valores de FMF e QF obtidos nos dois grupos näo diferiram estatisticamente entre si, mostrando que nos pacientes fissurados estudados, a inadequaçäo velofaríngea näo estava associada a disfunçöes laríngeas que pudessem ser identificadas pela metodologia utilizada