Abstract
Dental and stomatologic problems in childhood need to be diagnosed and managed with multidisciplinary protocols focusing around the children an appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and care program. Therefore, it is paramount to avail of screening tools that provide an indication of in‐depth multidisciplinary diagnostic flow. The aim of this study is to detect and evaluate malocclusion problems and predisposing factors in an Italian preschooler population. Design‐calibrated operators detected data through examination of 1,405 children (706 males and 699 females) aged between 2 and 7 years, in one hospital in Rome and in kindergartens of several Italian cities. Data were collected following Risk of Malocclusion Assessment index criteria. Pearson's chi‐square test (with continuity correction) and Fisher's exact test were the statistical tests conducted (P < 0.05). Grade 2 (49.6%) and 4 (21.7%), followed by grade 1 (17.1%), grade 3 (9.3%), and finally grade 5 (2.3%) are the most represented degrees. 53.6% of the cases have a high risk, whereas 32.2% has a low risk and 14.9% has a moderate risk. The risk‐degree correlation is statistically significant (P < 0.005). Flawed habits and oral breathing are present in more than a quarter of children. Findings of the study highlighted that early multidisciplinary approach, as well as orthodontic visits and screening in childhood, is necessary to promote normal growth and development of the face and the elimination of potential interferences that may harm these processes.
Highlights
According to the National Guidelines for the Promotion of Oral Health and the Prevention of Oral Pathology, published in 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Health and revised in 2013 (Ministero della Salute, 2018a), the incidence of oral pathologies in pediatric age, despite the improvements obtained from preventative and screening campaigns, is still high in Italy.The promotion of oral health in childhood is part of a broader health prevention and health project that involves many medical specialties, and it is a result of an intentional alliance between the child's parents, sensitized by the need for periodic visits and inspections, and medical specialists to safeguard the overall patient's health
The Italian Ministry of Health's clinical recommendations state that odontostomatologic problems in childhood need to be identified, diagnosed, and managed with multidisciplinary protocols that are designed to put the child into an appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and care program
There was a significant prevalence relating to the absence of diastemas (17.9% in grade 2) and crowding (6.2% in grade 3), open bite greater than 2 mm (5.5%) and greater than 4 mm (7.2%)
Summary
According to the National Guidelines for the Promotion of Oral Health and the Prevention of Oral Pathology, published in 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Health and revised in 2013 (Ministero della Salute, 2018a), the incidence of oral pathologies in pediatric age, despite the improvements obtained from preventative and screening campaigns, is still high in Italy.The promotion of oral health in childhood is part of a broader health prevention and health project that involves many medical specialties, and it is a result of an intentional alliance between the child's parents, sensitized by the need for periodic visits and inspections, and medical specialists to safeguard the overall patient's health. According to the National Guidelines for the Promotion of Oral Health and the Prevention of Oral Pathology, published in 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Health and revised in 2013 (Ministero della Salute, 2018a), the incidence of oral pathologies in pediatric age, despite the improvements obtained from preventative and screening campaigns, is still high in Italy. Reducing medical expenses, including a benefit on the country's global economy and health care costs Pediatric age, in this perspective, becomes the preferred field of action to obtain economic and biological cost/benefit positive ratio of therapy, continuity of care, and creation of a culture of prevention that ensures the population well‐being. The Italian Ministry of Health's clinical recommendations state that odontostomatologic problems in childhood need to be identified, diagnosed, and managed with multidisciplinary protocols that are designed to put the child into an appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and care program
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