The Effect of Caries on the Chewing Ability of Children: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Childhood caries might have several effects on the children's general health and growth, including chewing ability. This study aims to identify the evidences found regarding the effect of caries on the chewing ability of children through a scoping review. A scoping review literature search was performed in three databases (Scopus, PUBMED, and Web of Science) without restricting the publicized year. The selected articles were using human as its subjects and aiming to analyze the effects of caries on mastication ability in children. Ten articles matched the inclusion criteria of this review. All the articles suggested a deleterious effect of caries on masticatory performance, maximum bite force, swallowing threshold, and even masticatory behavior. Two of them stated that the effect was reversible by giving dental treatment. This scoping review concludes a negative effect of caries on the children's chewing ability.