Clinical measurement of maximum mouth opening in Saudi children and its relation with different facial type

Background: Decreased mouth-opening is a key factor in diagnosing most of the oralhealth- related conditions. Aim: To assess the Maximum Mouth Opening and its correlation with facial types among children in Southern Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients ranging from 2 to 12 years old. The maximum mouth opening was measured as the distance between incisal edge of maxillary and mandibular central incisors in the midline using the digital Vernier Caliper. Three readings of maximum mouth opening (MMO) were taken by the examiner and the average mean of these readings was taken as final MMO. Based on the calculated facial index, five facial types were determined and subjects were categorized and compared accordingly. The facial profiles, height, weight and BMI (Body mass Index) of the subjects was recorded as well. The data hence obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (version 19.0, SPSS Incorporated, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was found that the mean value of maximum mouth opening of Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0) children was significantly higher than other children. The mean difference of mouth opening of Mesoprosopic (85.0 - 89.9) children was significantly lower than Leptoprosopic (90.0-94.9) and Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0) children. The mean difference of mouth opening of Leptoprosopic (90.0-94.9) was significantly lower than Hyperleptoprosopic (? 95.0). Conclusion:The overall mean value of maximum mouth opening among the subjects was found to be 47.33? 8.7. The maximum mouth opening of subjects was found to have an association with different facial types and facial profiles among the studied population.