Measurement of tooth mobility in children using the periotest.

This study investigated the use of the periotest for measuring tooth mobility of upper permanent incisor teeth in children. A total of 160 children, with equal numbers of boys and girls aged between 9 and 16 years had two periotest readings made on their four upper incisor teeth. In all 1,280 measurements were collected and analysed. The results showed that the second periotest readings were statistically significantly higher than the first. Periotest readings were lower for girls than boys of the same ages. The periotest may have a place as a diagnostic tool in paediatric dentistry and dental traumatology, however, further research is necessary before the periotest can be used to assist in the diagnosis and assessment of healing of traumatised teeth.