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Open bite in prematurely born children
V Harila1, T Heikkinen, M Grön
1Department of Oral Development and Orthodontics, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. Virpi.Harila@oulu.fi
Insights
Premature birth and ethnicity impact open bite development in children. Preterm African American boys showed a higher incidence, suggesting increased predisposition to etiological factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Craniofacial Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Open bite is a malocclusion affecting dental development.
- Premature birth is a potential risk factor for various developmental issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of anterior open bite in prematurely born children.
- To identify etiological factors contributing to open bite in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 328 preterm and 1,804 full-term children (aged 6-12 years).
- Analysis of dental casts and photographs to record occlusion.
- Chi-square analysis for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- Higher incidence of anterior open bite in preterm (9%) vs. control (7%) groups.
- Significantly greater prevalence in African Americans (9%) compared to Caucasians (3%).
- Preterm African American boys exhibited the highest prevalence (11%).
Conclusions:
- Anterior open bite development differs between ethnic and gender groups.
- Premature birth influences dental occlusal development.
- Preterm children may be more susceptible to factors causing open bite, including health conditions and breathing issues.
Purpose:
The aims of this study were to: examine the expression of open bite in prematurely born children and discuss the etiological factors that may lead to bite it.
Methods:
The subjects were 328 prematurely born (<37 gestational weeks) Caucasoid and African American children and 1,804 full-term control children, who participated in the cross-sectional study of the Collaborative Perinatal Project in the 1960s and 1970s. Dental documents, including casts and photographs, were taken once at the age of 6-12 years in the mixed dentition. The occlusion was recorded by examining and measuring the hard stone casts. Vertical open bite was recorded only for full erupted teeth. The statistical method used was chi-square analysis.
Results:
Significant differences in the incidence of anterior open bite (from left to right canine) was found between the preterm and control groups and between gender and ethnic groups. The prevalence of anterior open bite was nearly 9% in the preterm group and almost 7% in the control group. African Americans (9%) had a significantly greater incidence of open bite than Caucasians (3%; P<.0001). Generally, girls had a greater incidence of open bite than boys (8% vs 6%; P<.11). When the study groups were divided by prematurity, gender, and ethnic group, the prevalence of open bite was increased--especially in preterm African American boys compared to controls (11% vs 8%).
Conclusions:
The results show differences in the development of anterior open bite between ethnic and gender groups. Premature birth may also influence dental occlusal development. Of importance are the patient's: general health condition; respiratory infections; inadequate nasal- and mouth-breathing; oral habits; and other medical problems. Preterm children may be relatively more predisposed to etiological factors for the development of anterior open bite.
