Evaluation of the neuromotor ability of the tongue in pediatric patients using a stereognostic examination

Abstract

Background: The term “stereognosis” comes from neurology and describes the capacity to distinguish objects solely by touch. Aim: The aim of this research study was to compare the neuromotor ability of the tongue in patients with malocclusion and tongue dysfunction with and without superficial anesthesia on the tip of the tongue and hard palate. Materials and Methods: The study included 132 patients aged 6–13 years. Using a spatula for speech therapy and a visual evaluation while swallowing saliva, all individuals were identified as having swallowing dysfunctions and divided into three groups: study group (children with malocclusions and tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients, comparator group (children with malocclusions and without tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients, and control group (children without malocclusions or tongue dysfunctions) – 44 patients. The Koczorowski methods were used for the stereognostic tests. Results: Age, sex, and malocclusion were taken into account during the differential analysis. The study and comparison groups, study and control groups, and the comparator and control groups all showed statistically significant differences from one another. According to the results, tongue dysfunction affects patients’ ability to coordinate their movements with their senses at a developing stage. Conclusion: Patients with malocclusions that are made worse by tongue dysfunctions have poorer oral stereognostic sensibility. Speech therapy and interdisciplinary specialist orthodontic treatment are required for individuals with impaired oral perception who are still in the developmental stage and have abnormal tongue position and function.