Mandibular position and head posture as a function of eye dominance.

A recent study conducted at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine has confirmed the relationship between head posture, mandibular position and eye dominance. The purpose of this study is to assess the temporary eye dominance of children and the change relative to head posture and mandibular position. Twenty children were included in this study after the completion of the ophthalmological exclusion screening. All subjects had the sign of eye dominance screened with eye dominance tests. The mandibular position and the 3-dimensional posture of head were recorded. The eye patches were applied over the dominant eye for one hour to achieve the effect of temporary eye dominance change for 10 children. Ten children had the same procedures except for the eye patch procedure. The reexaminations were performed at the end of one hour visit for both groups. Mandibular midline data revealed no change in both control and experimental group. Statistically significant difference in the transverse plane of head posture was observed by means of Student's t test in experimental group. The mean transverse measurement difference was 14.7 degrees, with a standard deviation of 6.4265 degrees. The T value was 5.66, with a probability of p=0.0003 at DF=9. The differences of positions were not statistically significant (P=0.05) on horizontal and vertical planes. The transverse head postural change has been demonstrated by means of temporary eye dominance change. This study highlights several areas: the importance of clinical intervention in young children, the difference on transverse dimensional change, and the importance of role of pediatric dentistry among interdisciplinary cooperation. Further investigation and early clinical intervention is encouraged.