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Published on: December 6, 2016
Association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Developing Malocclusion in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Shweta R Shirke1, Amar N Katre1
1Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Yerala Medical Trust (YMT) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, IND.
Insights
Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in children is strongly linked to malocclusion, increasing the risk for developing specific dental issues. This association highlights SDB as a potential early indicator for orthodontic concerns in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Health
Background:
- Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is increasingly recognized for its impact on child health.
- Malocclusion, a common craniofacial disturbance, affects many children.
- The relationship between SDB and malocclusion requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between SDB and malocclusion in children aged 6-12 years.
- To explore the influence of age, gender, and tonsillar enlargement as potential modifiers of this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 177 children (6-12 years) were evaluated for malocclusion using Angle classification and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN).
- Parental administration of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) assessed SDB.
- Statistical analysis included Fischer's test, odds ratio estimation, and logistic regression for modifiers.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of SDB (69%) was observed.
- SDB showed a significant association with Angle class II and III malocclusions (OR=3.79) and higher IOTN grades (OR=53.64).
- Gender and tonsillar enlargement were significant modifying factors (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- SDB is significantly associated with developing malocclusion in children.
- The risk of malocclusion is elevated in children with SDB, particularly for Angle class II and III types and higher IOTN grades.
- SDB may serve as a clinical marker for assessing malocclusion risk in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Background Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) in children and its role in health has received renewed interest in the recent past. Malocclusion is one of the most common multifactorial craniofacial disturbances widely prevalent in children. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association of SDB with developing malocclusion in six to 12-year-old children and the effect of modifiers like age, gender, and tonsillar enlargement. Materials and method One hundred and seventy-seven children aged six to 12 years were assessed for developing malocclusion using Angle classification and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN) comprising of 5 grades. Their parents were administered a pre-validated Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) for assessing SDB, by a single, calibrated examiner. The primary outcomes were SDB score, Angle class of malocclusion, and IOTN grade, assessed as categorical variables. The modifying variables assessed were age, gender, and tonsillar enlargement (Brodsky's criteria). The data were subject to statistical analysis using Fischer's test and the odds ratio (OR) was estimated. The modifiers were assessed using logistic regression. Results The prevalence of SDB was 69%. SDB has significantly associated with angle class II and class III malocclusion (x = 9.475, p < 0.05 OR=3.79) and with higher IOTN grades (x = 109.799, p < 0.05, OR=53.64). Logistic regression revealed that gender and tonsillar enlargement had a significant modifying effect (p<0.05). Conclusion SDB had a significant association with developing malocclusion, the odds being higher in angle class II and III malocclusions and higher IOTN grades. Clinical relevance Both SDB and developing malocclusion are quite commonly seen in children, though the relation between the two has not been adequately explored. This study shows that they are strongly associated with each other and one could act as a marker for the other.
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