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Secular trends in malocclusion in Austrian men
F J Weiland1, E Jonke, H P Bantleon
1Department of Orthodontics, University Dental School, Graz, Austria.
European Journal of Orthodontics
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Malocclusion, or dental crowding, has significantly increased in Austrian males over the past century. Modern dental samples show higher malocclusion scores compared to 19th-century individuals, indicating secular changes.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Anthropology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Occlusal deviations, commonly known as malocclusion, represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding historical trends in malocclusion is crucial for assessing contemporary oral health patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and severity of occlusal deviations in permanent dentition between 19th-century and present-day Austrian males.
- To investigate secular changes in malocclusion over the last century.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the PAR Index (Peer Assessment Rating Index) to quantify occlusal deviations.
- Analyzed skeletal samples from 94 males from the 19th century and 157 males from the present day.
- Performed a comparative statistical analysis of malocclusion scores between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Present-day Austrian males exhibited significantly higher malocclusion scores (weighted PAR Index 11.79) compared to 19th-century males (weighted PAR Index 6.62).
- The findings indicate a substantial increase in the severity of malocclusion over approximately 100 years.
Conclusions:
- Secular changes have demonstrably impacted the prevalence and severity of malocclusion in the Austrian male population.
- These findings highlight an increasing trend in dental malocclusion, necessitating further research into contributing factors and potential interventions.