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Purpose To characterize the masticatory function of the elderly and to compare total amount of time, masticatory strokes and total mastication score among the elderly and young adults. Methods It is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. A total of 50 individuals participated, 25 elderly (mean age 66 years) and 25 young adults (mean age 22 years). The evaluation of mastication was performed by standardized filming of the usual mastication of a wheat flour biscuit. The masticatory type (alternated bilateral, simultaneous bilateral, preferential unilateral, chronic and anterior), masticatory score, total masticatory time and the total number of masticatory strokes were verified and compared between the elderly and young adults. Results The predominant masticatory pattern in the young adults was the alternated bilateral mastication (52%), while, in the elderly, the simultaneous bilateral mastication predominated (48%). The use of dental prostheses had a significant influence on the total mastication score; elderly presented greater masticatory time and greater amount of masticatory strokes; however, the total masticatory score was lower for this group. Conclusion The use of dental prosthesis has a significant influence on masticatory function. When compared to young adults, the elderly had a greater amount of time and masticatory strokes and a lower total mastication score.

PURPOSE: To verify whether the number of chewing strokes and the chewing time are influenced by dentofacial deformities in habitual free mastication. METHODS: Participants were 15 patients with diagnosis of class II dentofacial deformity (GII), 15 with class III (GIII), and 15 healthy control individuals with no deformity (CG). Free habitual mastication of a cornstarch cookie was analyzed, considering the number of chewing strokes and the time needed to complete two mastications. Strokes were counted by considering the opening and closing movements of the mandible. The time needed to consume each bite was determined using a digital chronometer, started after the placement of the food in the oral cavity and stopped when each portion was swallowed. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups regarding both the number of strokes and the chewing time. However, with regards to the number of strokes, CG and GII presented a significant concordance between the first and the second chewing situation, which was not observed in GIII. The analysis of time showed significant concordance between the first and second chewing situation in CG, reasonable concordance in GII, and discordance in GIII. CONCLUSION: Dentofacial deformities do not influence the number of chewing strokes or the chewing time. However, class III individuals do not show uniformity regarding these aspects.

Introduction:The bite force is influenced by the occlusal condition. In children with posterior crossbite the results are controversial. Purpose: To investigate the influence of posterior crossbite in maximal isometric bite force (MIBF) in children with mixed dentition. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 32 children participated, 21 of them belonging to the posterior cross-bite group (10 girls and 11 boys, mean age 9.2 years) and 11 to the control group (6 girls, 5 boys, mean age 9.3 years). The children were evaluated by an orthodontist for occlusal diagnosis and characterization of the groups, by otorhinolaryngologists for evaluation of respiratory symptoms and by a speech therapist to identify the clinical and MIBF myofunctional orofacial condition. The dynamometer was placed in the molar region and the children were instructed to bite it as hard as possible three times alternately. For data analysis, Student's t-test for independent samples was used. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: While comparing the groups crossbite vs. control, there was no significantly difference; also, among only children belonging to the crossbite group, there was no difference between the sides (crossed bite vs. Noncrossed one). Conclusion: The presence of posterior crossbite did not influence the maximal isometric bite force in children with mixed dentition.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o conhecimento dos professores da educação infantil e ensino fundamental I a respeito da respiração oral, assim como verificar a ampliação do conhecimento dos professores sobre o tema, após a aplicação do programa de orientação fonoaudiológica. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 150 professores de escolas públicas e particulares. A promoção do conhecimento sobre a respiração oral foi realizada por meio do Programa de Orientação Fonoaudiológica, que abordou sobre a fisiologia da respiração, as causas e as consequências da respiração oral e os profissionais envolvidos no tratamento. Antes e após o programa, foram aplicados questionários semiestruturados, compostos por questões objetivas e discursivas a respeito das causas e consequências da respiração oral. Para a análise estatística entre os questionários pré e pós-programa, foi utilizado o teste McNemar. A comparação entre a média geral das respostas corretas foi realizada por meio do teste t-Student. Todas as diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas para um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Observaram-se diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) em todas as questões dos questionários pré e pós-programa de orientação. Conclusão Os professores apresentaram conhecimento prévio sobre a respiração oral, porém, o Programa de Orientação Fonoaudiológica mostrou-se eficaz e promoveu a ampliação do conhecimento sobre o tema.