Relationship between malocclusion and behavioral, demographic and socioeconomic variables: a cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds.
OBJECTIVE
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prevalence and the severity of malocclusion have increased over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusions, such as open bite and crossbite, and behavioral, demographic and socioeconomic variables in a sample of 5-year-old children attending preschools.


METHODS
The random sample consisted of 728 preschool children attending 22 public (n = 428) and 18 private (n = 300) preschools. A calibrated examiner performed the epidemiological examination outdoors, under natural light, using dental mirror and CPI probe. Information on socioeconomic status and the presence of deleterious oral habits was collected by a questionnaire sent to parents. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.


RESULTS
The deleterious oral habits were observed in 83.1% of the children and were significantly associated with social class. Pacifier use (OR = 21.71), thumb sucking (OR = 4.72); atypical swallowing (OR = 7.35) and mouth breathing (OR = 4.65) were risk indicators for open bite. Pacifier use (OR = 1.59), lip interposition (OR = 1.78), mouth breathing (OR = 1.96) and gender (OR = 1.88) were risk indicators for crossbite.


CONCLUSIONS
Environmental factors, such as the presence of deleterious oral habits as well as social class, play an important role in identifying children with open and/or crossbite.
Hebling
Sandra Regina Facciolli
SR
Department of Community Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, UNICAMP, SP, Brazil.
Cortellazzi
Karine Laura
KL
Tagliaferro
Elaine Pereira da Silva
EP
Hebling
Eduardo
E
Ambrosano
Gláucia Maria Bovi
GM
Meneghim
Marcelo de Castro
Mde C
Pereira
Antonio Carlos
AC
D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000009:adverse effects; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009058:Mouth Breathing / Q000150:complications; D024343:Open Bite / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D041361:Pacifiers / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors