Prevalence of malocclusion in adolescents according to sex, caries experience, gingival bleeding and smile dissatisfaction

Abstract

Objective: The propose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malocclusion among adolescents and to assess the differences of this prevalence according to sex, experience of caries, gingival bleeding, and smile dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 600 adolescents from 10 to 16 years old, who were identified and selected from public schools’ records. Intraoral and extraoral examinations were performed following World Health Organization recommendations and included: number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, presence of gingival bleeding, and occlusal condition. The latter was assessed based on information of Dental Aesthetic Index, and Foster and Hamilton Index, in addition to the evaluation of dental midline, facial and smile pleasantness according to Capelozza Filho classification. Smile dissatisfaction was also evaluated. Bivariate Poisson regression with robust variance was used to compare prevalence rates. Results: The prevalence of malocclusion, caries experience, gingival bleeding and smile dissatisfaction were 96.0%, 52.3%, 55.8%, and 49.4%, respectively. The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among adolescents with gingival bleeding. Statistically significant associations were noticed between crowding of the upper and lower anterior teeth and gingival bleeding, as well as among Class III molar relationship, deviation of the dental midline, anterior open bite, anterior crossbite, and caries experience. Smiles classified as acceptable or unpleasant were associated with dissatisfaction. Conclusion: These findings have evidenced a higher prevalence of malocclusion among adolescents and its association with caries experience, gingival bleeding, and smile dissatisfaction.