Correlations of palatal surface area with anthropometric dimensions of the head and face

PURPOSE: Saliva distribution over the palatal surface plays an important role in the perception of dry mouth. It is envisaged that non-invasive estimation of the palatal surface area by anthropometric measurements of the head and face can be useful in the assessment of oral dryness. For this purpose, the relationship between the palatal surface area and anthropometric measurements of the head and face was investigated. METHODS: The palatal surface was measured in 51 healthy volunteers using an intra-oral scanner. The distances between anthropometric landmarks of the head and face were determined using an anatomical sliding caliper. Correlations between the palatal surface area and the anthropometric landmarks were investigated. RESULTS: The median palatal surface area for the total study population was found to be 2120.6 mm(2). Virtually, all anthropometric measurements showed significant differences between females and males. Various head and face measurements had a significant correlation with the palatal surface area. However, these correlations disappeared when the participants were stratified based on their sex, with the exception of mandibular length and palatal width in females. CONCLUSION: The surface area of the palate correlates with nearly all anthropometric measurements of the head and face included in this study. Yet, the clinical applicability seems limited to females.