Evaluating chewing efficiency in children
Association of Masticatory Efficiency With the Condition of the Stomatognathic System in Children
Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka · NCT05000385
This study tests how well children aged 3 to 14 chew their food and if their chewing ability is linked to dental health and nutrition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rijeka, Primorsko-goranska Županija and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05000385 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess how masticatory efficiency relates to various conditions of the stomatognathic system in children aged 3 to 14. It will examine factors such as dental caries, malocclusion, and nutritional status using an optical scanning method to analyze the size of chewed food particles. Participants will chew a standardized silicone tablet, and the study will measure the efficiency based on the size and number of particles produced. The findings could provide insights into the impact of dental health on children's nutrition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 14 with specific dental conditions such as dental caries or reduced occlusal contacts.
Not a fit: Patients with uncooperative behavior, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or systemic disturbances affecting mastication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how dental health affects children's nutritional status and overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored masticatory efficiency, this specific approach using optical scanning in children is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children of both genders aged 3 to 14, with: * full healthy dentition * bilateral dental caries stage 4,5 or 6 by ICDAS criteria * reduced number of occlusal contacts * dentures * signed informed consent by participant's parents * verbal consent of the children Exclusion Criteria: * uncooperative behavior * symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction * parafunctional habits * systemic disturbances that can impact mastication * ingestion of medicines that could interfere directly or indirectly with muscular activity * tooth anomalies of structure, number or form * periodontal disease * tooth mobility
Where this trial is running
Rijeka, Primorsko-goranska Županija and 1 other locations
- Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka — Rijeka, Primorsko-goranska Županija, Croatia (RECRUITING)
- Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Rijeka — Rijeka, Primorsko-goranska Županija, Croatia (ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Odri Cicvaric, DMD — Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Rijeka
- Study coordinator: Odri Cicvaric, DMD
- Email: odri.cicvaric@fdmri.uniri.hr
- Phone: 0038551345636
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Mastication Disorder, Body Mass Index, Child, Mastication, Stomatognathic Diseases, Particle size