title: [Comparison of the dental measurements according to the obstructive character of the tonsils].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of obstructive tonsils in dental arches abnormalities is widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. Data on the probable relationship between obstructive tonsils and the presence of these orthodontic abnormalities are subjective. The objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the dental arches measurements.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was performed in children aged between 6 to 12 years divided into 2 groups (A and B) according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. Dental intra- and inter-arches measurements are recorded on each child. Data is analyzed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. A t Student and chi square tests are respectively used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. The level of significance is fixed at p = 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The upper dental arch depth is significantly more important in subjects with obstructive tonsils (group B). Dental arches widths are significantly more important in subjects without obstructive tonsils (group A). Group B subjects are significantly more likely to have class II malocclusions, open bite and posterior cross bite with mandibular lateral deviation than group A subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early evaluation of children with obstructive tonsils can prevent dental intra- and inter-arches abnormalities caused by upper airway obstruction. Thus late and more aggressive treatments which are not always as efficient as when they were performed during childhood will be avoided.
authors.forename: Joseph Samba
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Diouf
authors.forename: Bécaye
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Touré
authors.forename: Ousmane
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sonko
authors.forename: Alpha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Badiane
authors.forename: Khady
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Diop-Bâ
authors.forename: Papa Ibrahima
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Ngom
authors.forename: Falou
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Diagne
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications*; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology*; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000209:etiology; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology*; D014716:Vertical Dimension