Occlusal support and postural stability in children: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between uneven occlusal contact and fall risk has been described in elderly participants; however, multiple confounding factors, such as systemic disease or deterioration in vestibular function have not been well considered. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in pediatric participants at the age of approximately 9-12, where these confounding factors are absent and the replacement of primary molars by permanent ones generally occurs and transiently results in uneven occlusal contact.

METHODS: Sixty-five children (36 boys and 29 girls, mean age: 9.5 ± 1.5 years) were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked whether they had experienced at least 2 falls within the past 1 year. The occlusal contact area ratio was calculated by dividing the greater half (right or left dental arch) by the smaller half (the other half) with U-shaped pressure sensor sheet. The total length and rectangular area of the center of pressure while standing upright for 10 s were measured with a stabilometer and used as postural sway parameters.

RESULTS: The occlusal contact area ratio significantly correlated with the postural sway parameters. Comparison between those who had experienced the fall incidences and those who had not after propensity score matching that adjusts their overall physical function revealed that there were no significant differences in the postural sway parameters and occlusal contact area ratio regardless of the history of fall incidence.

CONCLUSION: Uneven occlusal contact leads to an increase in postural sway in children; however, this may not be associated with fall incidence.