Accuracy of the Tooth Tapping Rhythms in Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the tooth tapping rhythm lead by a metoronome and to compare it to that in adults. Forty subjects were examined and classified into 4 groups; one group with deciduous dentition, one in the early period of the mixed dentition, one in the later period of the mixed dentition, and one with the permanent dentition. Occlusal sounds to the tune of 76 times per minute of tapping were obtained with an accelerotype cardiac transducer placed on the center of the forehead. The results obtained in the present study were; Accuracy was improved and is closely associated with increasing age when more advanced movement capability is achieved.