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Prevalence of caries and dental malocclusions in the apulian paediatric population: an epidemiological study
Aim:
The purpose of this epidemiological study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion, its association with caries experience, and level of oral hygiene in the Apulian population.
Materials And Methods:
Study design: A total of 530 paediatric patients (267 girls, 263 boys), aged 8-10 years (±SD 1.2) were randomly selected from primary schools in Apulia (Italy). The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmtf) index, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), recorded according to the WHO criteria, were used by two calibrated examiners to diagnose dental caries and malocclusion, respectively.
Results:
Except for the presence of dental calculus, Class II malocclusion, open bite and dental crowding, (p>0.05), all variables in the negative binomial regression showed a significant relationship with the incidence rate of caries in deciduous teeth.
Statistics:
Children were clinically examined in a community dental office. Statistical analysis was carried out using R version 3.5.1.
Conclusion:
The study outcomes underline the need for preventive care programmes to improve oral health conditions as well as to decrease oral pathology risk factors in the Apulia region.
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