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Dentition in children with enlarged tonsils compared to control children
European Journal of Orthodontics
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Children with enlarged tonsils exhibit distinct dental differences, including altered incisor positioning and arch dimensions. These findings suggest potential links between enlarged tonsils and oral-motor dysfunction affecting dentition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Enlarged tonsils are common in children and can impact oral function.
- Potential associations between tonsillar hypertrophy and dentofacial development warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare dentition characteristics in children with enlarged tonsils versus healthy controls.
- To identify specific orthodontic and dental arch differences linked to enlarged tonsils.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study of 73 children with enlarged tonsils and a matched control group.
- Analysis of 18 dentition variables using lateral skull radiographs and dental casts.
- Statistical comparison of group means, correlations, and regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Children with enlarged tonsils showed retroclined lower incisors and anteriorly positioned upper incisors.
- Smaller overbite, larger overjet, shorter lower, and narrower upper dental arches were observed.
- Increased prevalence of lateral crossbite was noted in the enlarged tonsil group.
Conclusions:
- Enlarged tonsils are associated with significant dentition abnormalities in children.
- These dental changes may relate to functional and morphological disorders like mouth breathing and altered tongue posture.
- Tonsillar obstruction could be a contributing factor to these observed oral dysfunctions.