Allergic rhinitis as a possible risk factor for malocclusion: a case-control study in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Allergology

Background:

• Prolonged oral respiration can lead to postural changes and dental malocclusions.
• Allergic rhinitis, a common cause of pediatric upper airway obstruction, is a potential risk factor for malocclusion development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between allergic rhinitis and malocclusions in children aged 5-9.
• To determine if allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for specific types of malocclusions.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 275 Italian children (5-9 years old).
• 125 children with malocclusions (case group) and 150 healthy children (control group).
• Assessment of professionally diagnosed allergic rhinitis via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Children with allergic rhinitis had a threefold increased risk of dento-skeletal alterations (OR = 3.16).
• Significant associations found between allergic rhinitis and posterior crossbite and increased overjet.
• No significant association was observed with anterior openbite.

Conclusions:

• Allergic rhinitis is a significant risk factor for developing malocclusions.
• Allergic rhinitis is specifically associated with posterior crossbite and increased overjet in children.