Occlusion characteristics of preschoolers in Chennai: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to assess occlusion characteristics of preschool children in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and assess gender differences of various features of the primary dentition occlusion.

Various occlusion characteristics, such as primary molar relationship, type of spacing in the primary dentition (open or closed), and presence of malocclusion, were evaluated. Data was analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test.

A total of 1,836 3- to 6-year old children participated. Flush terminal plane was the most commonly seen type of primary molar relation (41%). There was no significant difference between genders in relation to primary molar relationships. Open spacing was more common in the maxilla and in males. There was a statistically significant difference between the type of spacing in the primary dentition (open or closed) and flush terminal relationship. Anterior crossbite was seen in approximately 2% of the children, posterior crossbite in 1%, and anterior open bite in 3%.

There was as a low prevalence of asymmetric molar relationship, distal step molar relationship and malocclusions such as anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite and anterior open bite in preschool children in Chennai.