EC Paediatrics

Background: Stereognosis is the ability to recognize and differentiate the shape of an object using only the sense of touch. Similarly, oral stereognosis refers to an individual's ability to perceive and identify the shape of an object within their mouth without visual input. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral stereognosis and malocclusion in children.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 8 - 13 years. A total of 60 participants were included, 30 children with SSD (speech sound disorder) group and 30 children with TSD (typical speech development) group. Oral stereognosis was assessed using shape recognition tests, while oral dysfunction was evaluated through clinical examinations. Malocclusion was assessed based on IOTN scale.

Results: Stereognosis scores were positive in all TSD children (100%) but only in (60%) of the SSD group were stereognosis positive and (40%) were negative. On assessing malocclusion, malocclusion was more common in the SSD group (93.3%) compared to TSD group (66.7%). The TSD group had more grade I (33.3%) and grade II (53.3%) malocclusion cases, whereas the SSD group had more grade III (46.7%) and grade IV (6.7%) malocclusion cases. Statistically significant differences were found in IOTN grades (p = 0.05), stereognosis scores (p = 0.006), and their correlation (p = 0.041).

Conclusion: Impaired Oral Stereognosis may contribute to oral dysfunction and is associated with malocclusion in children. Early identification and intervention strategies targeting oral sensory and motor development could aid in improving oral functions and overall dental health.

 Keywords: Oral Stereognosis; Oral Dysfunction; Malocclusion; Oral Motor Function

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