title: Correlation between otitis media and dental malocclusion in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the possible correlation between otitis media and dental malocclusion in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty subjects (26 males and 24 females; mean age: 7.8 +/- 1 years) were assessed: 25 patients, with otitis media formed the study group, while 25 healthy subjects formed the control group. An otolaryngological examination and dental cast measurements were performed in order to evaluate adenoids, tonsils and dental relationships, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between otitis media and enlargement of adenoids (13 patients, 52% in the study group) and tonsils (11 patients, 44% in the study group). Furthermore, a significant predominance (p<0.05) of posterior crossbite was found in the study group (19 children, 76%), in comparison to the control group (4 children, 16%). No correlation between otitis media and overjet, overbite, Angle Class relationship, or inadequate oral habits were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Posterior cross-bite and adenoids-tonsils enlargement are factors significantly associated with otitis media in children.
authors: Dept. of Surgery, Unit of Paediatric Dentistry m.giuca@odont.med.unipi.it
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Giuca
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Caputo
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Nastasio
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Nastassio
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Pasini
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Passini
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002648:Child; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications*; D008311:Malocclusion, Angle Class I / Q000150:complications; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000150:complications; D003765:Models, Dental; D009058:Mouth Breathing / Q000150:complications; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000150:complications*; D038781:Otoscopy; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence