Abstract
In connection with the growth of children who show various changes in physiological and psychological responses, there are reports that there has been a decline in physical functions, was a decline especially in mastication and the equilibrium functions. The purpose of this study was to consider how occlusion ability is related to the motion of the center of gravity. The subjects in this study were 163 nursery school children. This study involved the measurement of the physical and mental development states including the body measurements, oral states with the decayed and filled teeth, occlusion abilities with the Dental Prescale® and the motion of the center of gravity by the foot pressure gravity was measured. Moreover, questionnaires were used. Each measurement was compared and investigated.
The following results were obtained:
1. Concerning the occlusion abilities, the male groups showed a significantly wider occlusal contact area and a stronger occlusal force than the female groups. There was a significant difference between the chronological age and the occlusion abilities. A significantly positive correlation was found between the chronological age and the oral states as well as, in the occlusion abilities. A significantly positive correlation was found between the body height and the occlusion abilities.
2. Concerning the motion of the center of gravity, the female groups showed a significantly lower motion for all of the distances, all areas and amplitudes than the male groups. The motion of the center of gravity decreased significantly as the children grew. The foot pressure area significantly increased as the children grew. There was a significant difference between the dental age and the motion of the center of gravity and the foot pressure area. A significantly negative correlation was found between the physical and mental development states and the motion of the center of gravity. A significantly positive correlation was found between the physical and mental development states and the foot pressure area.
3. A significantly negative correlation was among between filled teeth, dental caries experience teeth and the motion of the center of gravity. There was a significant difference between the filled teeth existence of filled teeth and the motion of the center of gravity. A significantly positive correlation was found between the maximum occlusal pressure and the motion of the center of gravity. A significantly positive correlation was found between the mean occlusal pressure and the foot pressure area.
4. There was a significant relationship between the oral states, the occlusion abilities, the motion of the center of gravity and replies of the basic motor function, the micro motor function, the sense of equilibrium, the activities and the food habits.
It was concluded accordingly that the physical and mental development states, as well as the occlusion abilities and the motion of the center of gravity were closely related.
