Is recurrent parotitis in childhood still an enigma? A pilot experience.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that dental malocclusion with mandibular misplacement may be a causative factor for recurrent parotitis (RP) through unbalancing of masticatory muscles.


METHODS
Thirteen patients (age 4-14 years) who were referred to a dental clinic for RP and malocclusion were treated by oral appliance positioning for a 6-month period. Monthly visits were scheduled regularly.


RESULTS
Symptoms were clearly improved in nine children. No effect was obtained in three patients. One patient was lost at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Occlusal intervention is effective in patients with RP and associated malocclusion. It should be considered an important option for the treatment of such intriguing disorder.
Bernkopf
Edoardo
E
Dental Clinic, Vicenza, Italy.
Colleselli
Paolo
P
Broia
Vanna
V
de Benedictis
Fernando Maria
FM
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D010309:Parotitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence