The relationships between malocclusion, gingival inflammation, plaque and calculus

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Malocclusion, or improper bite, is a common dental issue.
• The relationship between specific malocclusion traits and periodontal health requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between various malocclusion features and periodontal health indicators.
• To determine the relative importance of malocclusion versus plaque and calculus in gingival inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 300 subjects.
• Assessment of malocclusion features: vertical incisor overbite, horizontal incisor overjet, posterior cuspal interdigitation, and individual tooth irregularity (tilting, rotation, displacement, crowding).
• Correlation analysis with plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation levels.

Main Results:

• No significant relationship found between vertical incisor overbite, horizontal incisor overjet, or posterior cuspal interdigitation and plaque or gingival inflammation.
• Individual tooth irregularity showed a low, statistically significant correlation with plaque, calculus, and gingival inflammation.
• Plaque and calculus deposits were identified as more critical factors in gingival inflammation development than malocclusion features.

Conclusions:

• Specific malocclusion traits like overbite and overjet are not primary drivers of gingival inflammation.
• While tooth irregularity has a minor association, oral hygiene (plaque and calculus control) is paramount for preventing gum disease in individuals with malocclusion.