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Prevalence and risk indicators of primary dentition malocclusion in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia using a new case definition:
Hoda M Abdellatif1, Nozha Sawan2, Amjad M Alabdulmohsen3
1Public Health Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA.
Insights
The prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion in Saudi preschool children is high at 59.1%. Younger maternal age at childbirth is a significant risk factor for developing malocclusion in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Public Health
Background:
- Malocclusion in primary dentition can impact oral health and development.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion.
- To identify linked risk indicators in Saudi preschool children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 709 Saudi children aged 3-5 years in Riyadh.
- Oral examinations assessed anteroposterior, transverse, vertical dimensions, arch spacing, and oral habits.
Main Results:
- Malocclusion prevalence was 59.1%.
- Deep overbite (26.23%) and increased overjet (25.11%) were most common.
- Arch space issues and younger maternal age (≤25 years) were associated with malocclusion.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion in Saudi preschoolers.
- Increased overbite, overjet, and arch spacing problems are prevalent.
- Younger maternal age is a significant risk factor for childhood malocclusion.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion and its linked risk indicators among a group of Saudi preschool children.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out on preschool children aged 3 to 5 years residing in Riyadh City, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The study sample included 709 Saudi children of both genders with complete primary dentition. Oral examination was conducted for children to assess the anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions, arch spacings, and oral habits.
Results:
The prevalence of malocclusion was 59.1% among the study participants. A deep overbite and increased overjet were found in 26.23 % and 25.11%, respectively. Arch space problems were reported, including missing primate spaces in 24.12%, missing developmental spacing in 27.93%, and crowding in 14.1%. An association between mothers aged 25 years and younger at childbirth was linked with their child's malocclusion in the primary dentition (p-value of 0.03).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion among a specific group of Saudi preschool children was significantly high. Increased overbite and overjet were the most prevalent occlusal discrepancies, followed by arch spacing problems. The younger mother's age at childbirth is significantly associated with her child's malocclusion. The study results can serve as a baseline for future investigations.
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