Impact of gender and physical differences on the development of oral functions in children aged 6–17 years: A cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aimed to establish the age at which oral function development completes in males and females, and to determine if obesity contributes to underdevelopment of oral function.

Materials and Methods

The study included 241 participants, including 121 males and 120 females aged 6 to 17 years. Following anthropometry and oral examination, maximum occlusal force, lip-closing strength, maximum tongue pressure, and masticatory performance were measured in all participants. The Rohrer Index and body mass index (BMI) were calculated using height and weight measurements, and these scores were grouped into underweight/severely underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese categories.

Results

In males, maximum occlusal force, lip-closing strength, maximum tongue pressure, and masticatory performance increased with age. In females, maximum occlusal force, maximum tongue pressure, and masticatory performance peaked during the teenage years. Masticatory performance in the overweight/obese male group was significantly lower than in the normal weight group (p < 0.05). In females, maximum occlusal force in the underweight/severely underweight group and maximum tongue pressure in the overweight/obese group were significantly lower than in the normal weight group (both, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Growth patterns of each oral function differ considerably between males and females. Oral functions in females typically reached their peak earlier than in males, with most functions peaking during the teenage years. Overweight/obesity contribute to the underdevelopment of oral functions in both genders. Underweight may also hinder oral function development in females.