Transactional Evaluation of the Influence of Diet Consistency on Transverse Maxillary Deficiency, Plaque Index and Dental Caries in Pediatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Posterior crossbite is associated with increased consumption of soft foods, potentially reducing the mechanical stimulation essential for maxillary growth. Conversely, non-crossbite subjects consume more hard foods and are more frequently breastfed naturally, reinforcing their role in craniofacial development. Additionally, posterior crossbite is associated with higher caries prevalence, indicating a potential connection between occlusion and oral health. Dietary texture also influences oral hygiene, with soft and semi-solid foods correlating with increased plaque accumulation, while no association was found with solid or hard foods.