Influence of Dental Malocclusion on Body Posture and Foot Posture in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The number of studies that investigate the correlations between the temporomandibular system and body posture, postural control, or the distribution of plantar pressure has recently been increasing. However, most of the existing information is not conclusive. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate if the features of dental malocclusion are correlated with body posture alterations at the lower limb level. This is a multicentre cross-sectional study with 289 children (8–14 years). Angle’s molar relation was analysed at the dental level. The postural control and the plantar pressure distribution were recorded via a force platform. Correlation and inferential analysis between the Angle class and the foot’s biomechanics were tested. The centre of gravity is anteriorised in Angle’s Class II in both the molar class (p ≤ 0.001) and the canine class (p ≤ 0.001). Likewise, a relationship was observed between the contact surface and Angle’s classes, being higher in class III than in II (p ≤ 0.001). The plantigrade phase is shortened in Angle’s Class III. A relationship was found between Angle’s Class II and a forward movement of the centre of gravity. No relationship was found between the Foot Posture Index and the truncated scaphoid height and the dental classification. An evident relationship between the gait typology and dental malocclusion was not found.

Is There a Correlation between Dental Occlusion, Postural Stability and Selected Gait Parameters in Adults?

“…Cabrera-Domínguez et al (2021) and Pérez-Belloso et al (2020) found statistically significant differences between the foot contact area and the CoG of a human body in different occlusal classes. They noted a forward shift of the CoG in Angle Class II patients and a backward shift of the CoP in Angle Class I and III patients [ 10 , 12 ]. The results of this study are consistent with the above-mentioned observations [ 10 , 12 ].…”

“…They noted a forward shift of the CoG in Angle Class II patients and a backward shift of the CoP in Angle Class I and III patients [ 10 , 12 ]. The results of this study are consistent with the above-mentioned observations [ 10 , 12 ]. This study also found that Angle Class II patients had their body CoG significantly more often shifted forward, while those diagnosed with Angle Class I and III had it shifted backward ( p < 0.001).…”

“…Numerous observations have been made over the years on factors influencing postural stability [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The role of the craniomandibular system is now increasingly being analysed in connection with it [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Many theories attempt to explain the association between the masticatory organ and posture, including myofascial chains, activation or deactivation of the trigeminal nerve and subsequent interaction in the brainstem [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Disorders of the statics of the body and the temporomandibular joint

“…People with TMD are 5.5 times more likely to develop diseases of other joints than people without disorders [67]. In opposition to these studies, Perez-Belloso did not find a direct relationship between the masticatory system and the lower limb [68].…”

Can the Treatment of Dental Malocclusions Affect the Posture in Children?

“…Pérez-Belloso et al did not found a direct relationship between the stomatognathic system and the structures of the lower limb (hip, knee, and foot) even if a strong correlation between dental malocclusion and the position of the baricentre emerged 13 .…”