Growth changes of general and dental health status in Taiwanese children from mixed to early permanent dentition.

For this study, the general and dental health status of 463 Taiwanese children aged 9 to 12 years was evaluated. There were statistically significant increases in all measurements from Hellman's dental developmental stages IIIA to IVA except for the maximum mandibular protrusive, right lateral, and left lateral movements. Maximum bite forces had diminished in stage IIIB. Boys had larger maximum bite forces and hand-grip forces than did girls after stage IIIC. The proportion of subjects with TMD signs or symptoms increased to 60% by stage IVA.