Impairment of the oral stereognosis in the partial anterior open bite.

The study was performed in 20 children with partial anterior open bite and in 20 children of a control group. Stereognosis was evaluated on the basis of correct recognition responses to silicone pieces of the different shapes. Pieces were put on the dorsal surface of the tongue close to its apex. It was evident that the stereognostic ability was impaired in children with anterior open bite. This ability also decreased after infiltration anaesthesia of the tongue. The study indicated that the tongue plays an important role in oral stereognosis.