Translational insights into diet consistency, masticatory efficiency, and posterior crossbite: potential implications for craniofacial development and general health

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ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate the association between dietary consistency, masticatory patterns, and the presence of posterior crossbite in growing patients, and to explore potential preventive strategies.

Background

Maxillary constriction, frequently associated with posterior crossbite, presents challenges to craniofacial development. Modern dietary habits, characterised by softer food textures, reduce masticatory demand, potentially contributing to maxillary hypoplasia. However, the translational impact of dietary consistency on general health and craniofacial development remains underexplored.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted with 106 participants divided into two groups: case (posterior crossbite) and control (non-crossbite). Dietary habits were assessed through a validated questionnaire that categorised foods by consistency. Masticatory cycles were analysed using a kinesiograph to identify normal, reverse, and atypical patterns. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and regression models, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

Participants with posterior crossbite consumed significantly more soft foods (p = 0.032) and showed a higher prevalence of reverse chewing cycles (n = 44; p < 0.001). Conversely, non-crossbite participants consumed significantly more hard foods (p = 0.029) and displayed a predominance of normal chewing cycles (n = 37; p < 0.001). Dietary texture emerged as a key factor influencing masticatory efficiency, craniofacial development, and general health.

Conclusion

This study confirms a significant association between dietary consistency, masticatory patterns, and posterior crossbite. The findings underscore the role of dietary texture in craniofacial development, highlighting the importance of preventive dietary strategies to support both craniofacial growth and general health. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to validate these findings and guide translational orthodontic interventions.

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