Correlation between masticatory pattern and craniofacial morphometric parameters in children

Relevance. Craniofacial morphometric parameters are known to influence the characteristics of the masticatory muscles. Previous studies have demonstrated that cranial dimensions affect the structure and function of the masticatory musculature. However, there is a lack of data on the relationship between cranial morphology and the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles—specifically, the temporalis muscle, which tends to show higher activity in children with a dolichocephalic head shape, and the masseter muscle, which is typically more developed in brachycephalic individuals. The present study aimed to assess the correlation between craniofacial morphometric characteristics and masticatory muscle activity patterns using surface electromyographic (EMG) analysis.

Materials and methods. The study involved 32 children aged 7 to 12 years. Each participant underwent a comprehensive clinical examination and surface electromyographic (EMG) assessment of the masseter and temporalis muscles to evaluate their functional activity.

Results. A mixed masticatory pattern was identified in 56.3% of participants, a temporalis-dominant pattern in 18.8%, and a masseter-dominant pattern in 24.9%. An indirect inverse correlation was observed between craniofacial morphometric parameters and the Statistical Stabilizing Occlusion Index — a calculated EMG parameter reflecting the spatial position of the functional center of masticatory muscle activity. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.92. As cranial index values increased, the Statistical Stabilizing Occlusion Index decreased, indicating a shift in the functional muscle activation center.

Conclusion. The study demonstrated a correlation between masticatory muscle activity patterns and craniofacial morphometric characteristics in children. These findings should be considered in the functional diagnosis and treatment planning of pediatric patients. Early intervention to correct masticatory muscle function may contribute to the prevention of certain dentofacial disorders.

1. Shiryaeva TV, Oborotistov NYu, Muraev AA. Digital analysis of stomatognathic system morphofunctional condition in patients with distal occlusion before and after treatment with the twin block appliance. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2022;22(4):261-268 (In Russ.). doi: 10.33925/1683-3031-2022-22-4-261-268

2. Makedonova YuA, Gavrikova LM, Kabytova MV, Dyachenko DYu, Kurkina ON, Dyachenko SV, et al. Development and implementation of digital technologies in dental practice. Journal of International Dental and Medical Research. 2022;14(2):641-649. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364827911_Development_and_Implementation_of_Digital_Technologies_in_Dental_Practice

3. Küchler EC, Meger MN, Ayumi Omori M, Gerber JT, Carneiro Martins Neto E, Silva Machado NCD et al. Association between oestrogen receptors and female temporomandibular disorders. Acta Odontol Scand. 2020;78(3):181-188. doi: 10.1080/00016357.2019.1675904

4. Domenyuk DA, Davydov BN, Dmitrienko SV, Porfyriadis МР, Budaychiev GMA. Variability of cephalometric indices in men and women with mesocefalic form of the head and various constitutional types of face. The Dental Institute. 2018;(1):70-73 (In Russ.). Available from: https://instom.spb.ru/catalog/article/12002/

5. Davydov BN, Domenyuk DA, Dmitrienko SV, Korobkeev AA, Arutyunova AG. Morphological peculiarities of facial skelet structure and clinical and diagnostic approaches to the treatment of dental anomalies in children in the period of early change. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2019;19(1):26-38 (In Russ.). doi: 10.33925/1683-3031-2019-19-69-26-38

6. Davydov BN, Kochkonyan TS, Domenyuk DA, Dmitrienko TD, Domenyuk SD. Individual anatomical variability of dental arches in the period of mixed dentition with optimal occlusal ratios. Medical alphabet. 2022;(7):86-94 (In Russ.). doi: 10.33667/2078-5631-2022-7-86-94

7. Makedonova YuA, Vorobev AA, Pavlova-Adamovich AG, Osyko AN, Poroshin AV. The relationship between the facial type and the state of chewing muscles in children with cerebral palsy. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2023;23(1):56-61 (In Russ.). doi: 10.33925/1683-3031-2023-586

8. Szyszka-Sommerfeld L, Machoy M, Lipski M, Woźniak K. The Diagnostic Value of Electromyography in Identifying Patients With Pain-Related Temporomandibular Disorders. Front Neurol. 2019;10:180. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00180

9. Ohlmann B, Waldecker M, Leckel M, Bömicke W, Behnisch R, Rammelsberg P, et al. Correlations between Sleep Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorders. J Clin Med. 2020;9(2):611. doi: 10.3390/jcm9020611

10. Olesov EЕ, Ekusheva EV, Ivanov AS, Olesova VN, Zaslavsky RS, Popov AA. Features of the results of electromyography of muscles of the maxillofacial region and psychological examination in persons of stressed professions. Clinical Dentistry (Russia). 2020;3(95):108-112 (In Russ.). doi: 10.37988/1811-153X_2020_3_108