The effect of dental caries on masseter muscle and masticatory function in children with mixed dentition

Aim: Dental caries may result in reduced masticatory function, asymmetrical masticatory muscle activity, and discrepancies in the growth of muscles and hard tissues. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between masticatory muscles, masticatory performance, and dental caries, and to present the changes that occur after oral rehabilitation. Material and Method: Thirty children (16 girls, 53.3%; 14 boys, 46.7%), aged 6-10 years (mean ± SD: 7.86 ± 1.02), who applied to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Inonu University, were included in this study. Masticatory performance was evaluated using a two-color gum mixing test and the Karaduman Masticatory Performance Scale. Subsequently, the thickness and elasticity index of the masseter muscles were measured using ultrasonography at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. After completion of the patients' dental treatments, all tests and measurements were repeated after 6 months. Results: Following oral rehabilitation, the bolus score obtained from the two-color gum mixing test, masseter muscle thickness and elasticity index showed a statistically significant improvement, while the VOH value and KÇPS levels decreased significantly (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in masticatory performance and masseter muscle parameters between genders and jaw types (p>0.05). Increased tooth loss was significantly associated with decreased VOH value, masseter muscle thickness, and elasticity index (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between PUFA score and KÇPS (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that tooth loss can significantly decrease masticatory performance, masseter muscle thickness, and elasticity. Oral rehabilitation has been shown to be a crucial step in restoring lost functions. However, masticatory and muscle functions can vary depending on numerous factors. Therefore, further studies are needed that record different parameters. Key Words: Dental Caries, Masseter Muscle, Mastication Performance, Oral Rehabilitation, Ultrasonography