Prevalence Of Anterior Open Bite Research Articles

Prevalence of anterior open bite in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anterior open bite is defined by the lack of incisal contact between the teeth in centric relation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anterior open in children and adolescents. This systematic review included a search in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. The acronym PECOS was considered: (P) children and adolescents, (E) presence of anterior open bite, (C) not applicable, (O) prevalence, and (S) observational studies. The risk of bias assessment was carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. The prevalence meta-analyses were performed using MedCalc® software. The certainty of the evidence was determined with the GRADE approach. 26 studies were included. Eleven studies were judged at low, seven at moderate, and eight at high risk of bias. The overall prevalence of anterior open bite was 16.52% (95% CI 12.34-21.17) in children and adolescents. The prevalence was 19.38% (95% CI 13.77-25.69) in South America. The prevalence of anterior open bite was 22.67% (95% CI 16.56-29.43) among females and 16.99% (95% CI 11.77-22.94) among males. The prevalence of anterior open bite was 18.84% (95% CI 13.88-24.38) in the primary dentition, and 14.26% (95% CI 7.67-22.46) in the mixed dentition. The overall certainty of the evidence was very low. The overall prevalence of anterior open bite was 16.52% in children and adolescents aged 2-16years. Giving the limitations of a prevalence meta-analysis, the extrapolation of the results should be cautious. CRD42020183162, 10 July 2020.

Prevalence of Malocclusion and Associated Variables in Preschool Children of Tbilisi, Georgia

Background:Primary dentition is a determinant for future permanent occlusion.Objective:This aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and associated variables in the primary dentition among preschoolers in the city of Tbilisi, Georgia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among kindergarten children aged 3–5 years. Orthodontic characteristics were assessed by one calibrated clinician (E.G). Questionnaires were given to parents to record associated variables like general health problems, functional changes, and the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits.Results:A total of 396 participants aged 3-5 were included in the study. The prevalence of malocclusion was 49.8%, without significant differences among genders. The prevalence of Class II malocclusion was 21.2%(±4.091), followed by a deep overbite,i.e, 10.7% (±3.14), crossbite,i.e, 7% (±2.561), anterior open bite,i.e, 6.9%, and Class III malocclusion,i.e, 1.6% (±1.513). A total of 41.5% of children with breathing problems had Class II and 13% had crossbite. Speech disorder in 46.8% of cases was associated with anterior open bite. Pacifier users had Class II in 22.5%, deep overbite in 12.2%, and open bite in 9.2% of cases. There was a high prevalence of anterior open bite (25.2%) in children with a thumb-sucking habit (RR=4.90). These data sets are statistically reliable (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Almost half of the evaluated preschoolers had malocclusion. The most frequent disorder was Class II. Malocclusion is associated with non-nutritive sucking habits and mouth breathing.

Prevalence of Anterior Open Bite and Its Etiological Factors among a Group of Egyptian Children: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Anterior open bite (AOB) is the vertical separation between upper and lower teeth when all other teeth are in maximum intercuspation. It is considered abnormal when it affects patient’s function, speech, mastication, future dental health risks and aesthetics. Aim: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anterior open bite and its etiological factors in a group of Egyptian children aged 8 years and above. Methods: The sample comprised 115 participants aged between 8 and 10 years, attending the Outpatients’ Clinic of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University. AOB was assessed on study cast models using digital caliper. Increased overjet, abnormal oral habits, and parents’ educational level were checked. A close ended questionnaire was answered by patients’ guardians. Data were statistically analyzed with SPSS software package (version 21 SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). Results: About 24(20.9%) of the 115 participants had AOB, 82 (71.2%) had normal overbite, 9 (7.8%) had increased overbite. Overjet relationship was increased in 51(44.4%). The most common etiological factor was mouth breathing 13(11.3%). Abnormal oral habits revealed higher percentages of tongue thrust 5 (7.2%), thumb sucking 4(5.8%) and lip biting 6(8.7%) in girls. Boys revealed higher percentages regarding mouth breathing 7(15.2%) and nail biting 1(2.2%). There was significant low positive correlation between parents’ educational level and the amount of AOB (r < 0.5, P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: Prevalence of AOB is relatively low, with no sex predilection. Abnormal oral habit may be a causative factor of AOB.

Prevalence of anterior open bite and associated factors in schoolchildren in a municipality of southern Brazil

Abstract Introduction Open bite can generate relevant psychosocial impact in the daily life of the patient, both from the aesthetic and functional point of view. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with the anterior open bite in children in the first school year in a municipality in southern Brazil. Material and method A cross-sectional study was carried out with six-year-old schoolchildren in Palhoça/SC. Interviews were conducted with mothers to gather socioeconomic and non-nutritive sucking habits information. Children oral clinical examinations were carried out in schools. Multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with a robust estimator. The study involved 655 children, 50.5% being female. Result The prevalence of anterior open bite was 14.1% (95% CI 11.5; 16.7). Girls exhibited a lower prevalence [PR= 0.96 (95% CI 0.94; 0.99) p= 0.024] and those children who used a pacifier exhibited a higher prevalence of anterior open bite [PR= 1.04 (95% CI 1.01; 1.07) p= 0.003]. Conclusion The prevalence was 14.1% and that it was associated with gender and the use of pacifier, in a statistically significant and independent way.

Occlusal traits and longitudinal dental changes in children and adolescents with congenital or childhood onset myotonic dystrophy

This research aimed to study the malocclusions of children and adolescents with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), in respect to healthy individuals, and trace the occlusal changes that occurred in these individuals during growth. Thirty-six dental casts, from children and adolescents with DM1 living in western and southern Sweden, were compared with a control group of 50 healthy individuals. To identify potential changes in occlusal traits, 26 casts were assessed and followed-up over a median time of 9 years. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare the two groups and their changes over time. Paired samples t-tests tested changes over time within each group (P < 0.05). DM1 patients had a higher prevalence of anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, and Class III malocclusions. When compared to controls, patients presented smaller upper and lower intermolar as well as intercanine widths. In both groups, the individuals revealed longitudinal changes with a decrease in both upper and lower arch lengths and an increase on the palatal vault height. During the follow-up period, the prevalence of malocclusions remained almost the same, only significantly differing regarding the changes that occurred between groups referred to the upper intermolar width, which decreased among DM1 patients. In comparison to healthy controls, children and adolescents with DM1 have shown already at an early age a higher prevalence of both anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. These occlusal traits did not change with time apart from the upper narrow intermolar width, which further decreased with time.

Pathways to anterior open bite after changing of pacifier sucking habit in preschool children: A cohort study.

Pacifier use is a major cause of anterior open bite (AOB), which negatively impacts the quality of life of children affected. To assess the direct and indirect pathways related to pacifier sucking habit and AOB in preschool children. This 2-year cohort study evaluated a random sample of preschool children (2-5years of age) from Southern Brazil. Caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing socio-economic and behavioural characteristics. Anterior open bite was recorded following the criteria recommended by Foster and Hamilton. Structural equation model was performed to assess the direct and indirect pathways among variables at baseline (T1) to predict the AOB at follow-up (T2). Regarding the AOB, 407 children were evaluated at T1 and 187 at T2. The prevalence of AOB was 32.9% at baseline and 16.0% at follow-up. The presence of AOB at follow-up was directly affected by the change in pacifier sucking habit from T1 to T2. Considering the indirect paths, the AOB at T1 influenced the AOB in T2 via a change of pacifier sucking habit. These findings suggest that the non-habit of sucking pacifiers is a fundamental strategy for the prevention of AOB as well as the promotion of health in childhood.

Influence of pacifier use on the association between duration of breastfeeding and anterior open bite in primary dentition

BackgroundThe literature is controversial with regard to the association between longer breastfeeding duration and lower prevalence of anterior open bite. Pacifier use may be involved in this controversy. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the influence of pacifier use and its duration on the association between longer breastfeeding duration and lower prevalence of anterior open bite in children with primary dentition.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study involving 153 infants recruited at a maternity hospital in the municipality of Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The study outcome (anterior open bite) was assessed when the children were between 3 and 5 years old. Data on breastfeeding and pacifier use were collected at 7, 30, 60, 120, and 180 days of life and on the date of the evaluation here described. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze the association between the prevalence of anterior open bite and breastfeeding duration, expressed in months.ResultsThe univariate analysis showed a protective effect of breastfeeding against anterior open bite (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.95–0.98). This effect remained significant after adjustment for pacifier use at any time between birth and the date of dental assessment (PR0.98; 95%CI; 0.96–0.99), i.e., there was a reduction of 2% in the prevalence of anterior open bite for each month of breastfeeding. However, this effect lost significance when pacifier use duration was included in the multivariate analysis (PR1.00; 95%CI; 0.99–1.01).ConclusionsPacifier use duration influences the association between longer breastfeeding duration and lower prevalence of anterior open bite. It is likely that prolonged pacifier use reduces the magnitude of this association.

Prevalence of deleter habits and malocclusions in mixed dentition in children of the city of Quito, Ecuador

Objective: To determinate, the prevalence of malocclusions in mixed dentition of children from 6 to 12 years of age, from two schools in the city of Quito- Ecuador. Materials and methods : through visual observation, 143 children were examined with respect to the type of occlusion. The identification data of the participants about specific questions about the most frequent habits were collected in previously prepared files, the data were subjected to descriptive and statistics test. Results : the descriptive analysis showed that only 17% of the children had the characteristics of a normal occlusion, the remaining 83% had some type of malocclusion. Within the malocclusion, labial suction was the most prevalent with 16,1% of the entire sample. Class I molar and canine was the most frequent. Class molar I and canine was the most frequent. Chi square analysis determined that there is no dependency relationship between the type of habit and the prevalence of anterior open bite (p=0,69), whit a slightly higher proportion when considering labial suction. Conclusion : The prevalence of malocclusions in the studied population was high, being the habit of lip suction the most prevalent.

Association between psychological factors, socio-demographic conditions, oral habits and anterior open bite in five-year-old children

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate association between psychological factors, socio-demographic conditions, oral habits and anterior open bite in five-year-old preschool children.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 764 pairs of children and parents/caregivers in preschools. The parents/caregivers answered questionnaires addressing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), sense of coherence, locus of control, oral habits and socio-demographic characteristics. The children answered a self-report questionnaire addressing OHRQoL and were submitted to a clinical examination for the anterior open bite by examiners. Descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by Poisson’s regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of anterior open bite was 15.2%. The following variables remained significantly associated with anterior open bite: pacifier use (PR = 7.09; 95% CI: 4.06–12.39), attending a public preschool (PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.68–3.43), digit sucking (PR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.27–3.62), greater number of residents in the home (PR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.18–2.36) and impact on OHRQoL according to child’s report (PR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11–2.20).Conclusions: Anterior open bite was associated with OHRQoL according to the children’s reports. Moreover, attending a public preschool, a greater number of residents in the home, digit sucking and pacifier sucking were associated with this type of malocclusion.

The Influence of Feeding Methods on the Development of Nonnutritive Sucking Habits and Anterior Open Bite

Background: Breast milk is a highly nutritious food for children which affects the craniofacial development. Breastfeeding also plays a significant role in muscle function and alignment of the teeth in dental arch. Given the resources in determining the evaluation of malocclusion and harmful oral habits, in this study we aimed to determine the effect of child feeding methods on non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 191 children aged 3 to 6 years from different kindergartens of Hamadan city were studied. Data were based on the questionnaires that were answered by parents. Then children were classified into the following 4 groups based on the history of breast-feeding: G1- bottle fed, G2- breast fed for less than 6 months, G3- breast fed for 6 to 12 months, G4- breast fed for more than 12 months. Children were examined for the presence of anterior open bite. Data were collected and analyzed by statistical tests. Pearson chi-squared test, logistic regression and Fisher exact tests were used. Results: The statistical analyses showed that demographic characteristics such as children’s age and birth order, maternal education, employment, and family income had no impact on child feeding methods and there was no significant relationship between them. Moreover, no meaningful relationship was found between non-nutritive sucking habits and feeding methods. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between feeding methods and incidence of anterior open bite. Conclusions: Feeding methods affect the prevalence of anterior open bite, and by increasing the duration of breast-feeding, prevalence of anterior open bite can be reduced.

Anterior open bite and deleterious habits in preschool children from public schools

Objetivo: este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de mordida aberta anterior e sua associação com hábitos orais deletérios, como uso de chupeta, hábito de sucção de dedo e mamadeira em pré-escolares. Material e Métodos: foi realizado um estudo transversal com 142 crianças de três a cinco anos de nove escolas da cidade de Nova Venécia, ES. Um examinador devidamente calibrado realizou o exame de oclusão sob luz natural e com auxílio de exame médico. Além disso, um formulário semiestruturado com perguntas fechadas sobre hábitos orais deletérios em crianças foi enviado aos pais / responsáveis. Os dados sociodemográficos, econômicos e mordida aberta anterior foram verificados por meio do teste exato de Fisher e os valores de probabilidade foram calculados com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: foi encontrada uma prevalência de 31,69% (45) de mordida aberta anterior. Além disso, 45,8% (65) das crianças tinham hábito de sucção de chupeta, 14,8% (21) hábitos de sucção de dedo e 73,9% (105) usavam mamadeira. Crianças com hábito de chupar chupeta apresentaram 5,58 (2,54-12,24) mais chances de ter mordida aberta anterior do que crianças sem o hábito. Crianças pré-escolares com hábito de sucção de dedo mostraram 3,55 (1,37-9,21) mais chances de apresentar má oclusão. Crianças que usaram mamadeira apresentaram 2,29 (1,06-4,97) mais chances de ter mordida aberta anterior. Conclusão: alta prevalência de mordida aberta anterior é observada na população estudada e está associada ao hábito de sucção de chupeta, hábito de sucção de dedo e uso de mamadeira.

Occlusal and cephalometric characteristics of anterior open bite in 5-10 year-old Colombian school children

Objetive. The aim of this study was to determine oclussal and skeletal characteristics of anterior open bite (AOB) according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES) in school children in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 384 children between 5 and 10 years of age. A clinical assessment was performed to evaluate AOB, and information regarding socio-demographic variables, such as sex and SES according to Colombian standards, was obtained. Standardized lateral cephalograms and cast models were taken from participating subjects. A statistical analysis was performed using frequencies, percentages, t-student, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results. Prevalence of AOB was 8.1%, showing a significant difference according to SES. The most common Angle’s classification was Class II with 70.6% in the right molars, and 58.8% in the left molars, according to occlusal characteristics. Statistically significant differences were observed in the ratio of posterior and anterior facial height (PFH:AFH) (p=0.050) according to sex. The distance between the upper first molar and palatal plane (U6-PP) (p=0.028), the Overbite (p=0.032) and Gonial° (p=0.033) values showed statistically significant differences according to SES in vertical skeletal measures. The 64.7% of AOB were of dental origin. Conclusion. Results suggest variations in some vertical skeletal measures according to sex and SES in children with AOB. Since a high percentage of AOB is caused by dental factors, preventive programs are required to control this condition.

Prevalence of Anterior Open Bite among Male Saudi Children in Eastern Province

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anterior open bite among male Saudi children in eastern province. A clinical examination of 319 children, with age range from 9 to 11 years old. The mean age was 10 years. Also, a short presentation were given to the children. Participants included 319 children with mean age of 10 years. They were consisted of Angle's Class I was 83.7 %, Class II was11.9% and Class III was 4.4% . The anterior open bite was found in 28 child (8.8%) in all Classes. The prevalence of anterior open bite in the examined children was 8.8% in al malocclusion Classes. This will help decision maker of providing adequate number of Orthodontists based on evidence to offer necessary treatment for those children.

Prevalence of Anterior Open Bite among Sample of Sudanese University Students

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and etiological factors of anterior open bite in the permanent dentition in a sample of Sudanese university students. Materials and methods: A cross section study for 1224 Sudanese university students (612 males and 612 females), age ranges between 17 and 23 years old. Anterior open bite was registered when there was lack of contact between the anterior teeth while the posterior ones stayed in occlusion. Results: The prevalence of anterior open bite among 1224 university students was 8.5% (11.77% in males and 5.23% in females). The most common etiological factor was thumb sucking habit (24.1%). Moderate anterior open bite had the highest percentage (59.6%) among the students with open bite followed by severe anterior open bite (32.7%) and the extreme anterior open bite had the lowest percentage (7.7%). Conclusion: Prevalence of anterior open bite in this study was high 8.5%. Thumb sucking habit was the most common cause of anterior open bite among the students.

Prevalence of Anterior Open Bite among Yemeni Adults

Background: Anterior open bites a vertical discrepancy where the upper incisors crowns fail to overlap the lower incisors crown when the mandible brought into the centric occlusion. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of anterior open bite in the permanent dentition in a sample of sample of Yemeni adults, 18-25 years old in Sana’a city. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Sana’a at the faculties of dentistry (Sana’a, Al-Salam, and Science and Technology Universities) to ensure a mixed ethnic sample from all cities in Yemen for a sample of 1585 students (576 male and 1009 female). The overbite was recorded in the dental clinics for the dental students directly in the oral cavity by measuring with metallic rulers the degree of the vertical overlap of the upper incisors to the lower incisors during centric occlusion. The data was processed and analyzed using computer software program “SPSS” (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17. A descriptive statistical analysis was used in this study. Results: The overall prevalence of the anterior open bite in the current study was 4.1%, more frequent among male (8%) than female (1.9%). The normal overbite account was 41.2%, increased overbite reported in 26.75% of the sample, reduced over bite in 22.15%, while edge to edge was recorded in 5.8% of the sample. Conclusion: The prevalence of anterior open bite in Yemeni adults was 4.1%. Males generally showed a higher percentage, 4 times more than female (7.99 in male and 1.88 in female).

Prevalence of Open Bite Malocclusion Among 11 - 12 Years Old School Children in Yazd, Iran

Background:: Many studies have been conducted in Iran to know the prevalence of malocclusions and orthodontics needs but no study so far has been conducted in Yazd. Objectives:: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anterior open bite (AOBO) among 11 - 12 years old school-aging children in Yazd, Iran. Patients and Methods:: A total number 550 (278 boys and 272 girls) school aging children between 11 - 12 years old with permanent dentition were selected in this study from Yazd, Iran. The subjects were randomly selected, and none had received previous orthodontic treatment. Clinical examinations were carried out by one trained and calibrated examiner. The occlusal anteriorposterior sagital relationship were assessed based on the angle classification and also the vertical anterior relationship. The statistical software SPSS version 22 was used for the analysis different parameters as gender and age. Results:: AOB was present in 2.9% of subjects. 2.1% of the male and 3.6% of the females students in the sample were affected with anterior open bite. The prevalence of class I, class II and class III malocclusion with AOB was 1.7%, 3.2%, 21.4%, respectively. Conclusions:: This study shows that 2.9% of children examined had anterior open bite malocclusion which required treatment.

Factors associated with the prevalence of anterior open bite among preschool children: A population-based study in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the prevalence of anterior open bite among five-year-old Brazilian children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using data from the National Survey of Oral Health (SB Brazil 2010). The outcome variable was anterior open bite classified as present or absent. The independent variables were classified by individual, sociodemographic and clinical factors. Data were analyzed through bivariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS statistical software (version 18.0) with a 95% level of significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of anterior open bite was 12.1%. Multivariate analysis showed that preschool children living in Southern Brazil had an increased chance of 1.8 more times of having anterior open bite (CI 95%: 1.16 - 3.02). Children identified with alterations in overjet had 14.6 times greater chances of having anterior open bite (CI 95%: 8.98 - 24.03). CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between anterior open bite and the region of Brazil where the children lived, the presence of altered overjet and the prevalence of posterior crossbite.

Sucking habits and anterior open bite among Venezuelan and Brazilian children

Culturally different population groups have distinct infant feeding practices, which presumably may be related to diverse occlusal features in the primary dentition. Aim: To investigate the associations between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits and the prevalence of anterior open bite, in children from Aragua-Venezuela and Sao Paulo-Brazil. Methods: Seven calibrated examiners (κ = 0.89-1.0) performed clinical assessments in Venezuelans (N = 809) and Brazilians (N = 1,377) aged 3-6 years. Sucking habits were investigated using questionnaires answered by the mothers. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models (α = 0.05). Results: Among 380 children with anterior open bite, 309 were Brazilians. Approximately 65% of Brazilians with pacifier-sucking habit lasting beyond 3 years of age had this malocclusion. Brazilians who prolonged pacifier and digit-sucking habits beyond 3 years of age have, respectively, 68.5 and 14.5 times more chances of presenting anterior open bite than children without sucking habits (p < 0.001). In Venezuelans with open bite, 37.7% had digit-sucking habits beyond 3 years of age, resulting in a high odds ratio (9.3; p < 0.001) when compared to children without this habit. No significant effect was found for bottle feeding. However, non-breastfed Venezuelan children or those breastfed for periods shorter than 6 months have a two-fold higher chance of presenting anterior open bite than children who were breastfed for longer periods, p = 0.008. Conclusions: Infant feeding had some effect on Venezuelan children, since insufficient breastfeeding was related to a higher prevalence of anterior open bite. Pacifier-sucking was more prevalent in Brazilians, corresponding to pronounced chances (8-68 times greater) of diagnosing anterior open bite in pacifier users compared to non-users. Among Venezuelans, on the other hand, digit-sucking effect surpassed that of pacifier use and was associated with far higher chances (6-9 times) for this malocclusion.

Prevalência de mordida aberta anterior associada a hábitos orais deletérios em crianças de 3 a 5 anos de Vitória, ES

Objetivo avaliar a prevalência de mordida aberta anterior e a possível associação com hábitos deletérios em crianças de três a cinco anos de escolas públicas de Vitória, ES. Métodos estudo longitudinal retrospectivo realizado no período de julho a novembro de 2010. A oclusopatia do tipo mordida aberta anterior foi diagnosticada no momento da pesquisa e a introdução e duração dos hábitos orais foi recuperada por meio de questionário aplicado aos responsáveis. O cálculo amostral resultou em um número de 920 crianças, já acrescido de 20% para compensar possíveis perdas. A seleção das escolas foi feita de forma aleatória. A coleta de dados utilizou um questionário semiestruturado e um exame clínico, com examinadores treinados (Kappa 0,86). A associação entre as variáveis foi verificada pelos testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher. Para avaliar a força da associação foi utilizado o OddsRatio. Resultados a prevalência de mordida aberta foi de 20%. Crianças que possuem o hábito de sucção digitaltiveram uma chance 3 vezes maior de apresentar mordida aberta, enquanto que para aqueles que usavam chupeta, o risco foi 5 vezes maior Conclusão a prevalência de mordida aberta anterior foi expressiva; hábitos de sucção não-nutritiva foram associados significantemente a presença de oclusopatias. Ressalta-se a importância de ações preventivas que possam conscientizar quanto ao uso correto dos hábitos orais.

Prevalence and associated factors for the development of anterior open bite and posterior crossbite in the primary dentition.

The aim of the study was to verify the prevalence of anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior cross-bite (PC) in the primary dentition and the association with sociodemographic factors, presence and duration of nutritive and non-nutritive habits. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 732 preschoolers in Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Clinical exams were performed by three calibrated examiners (Kappa: 0.85-0.90). A questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data as well as nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits was administered to parents/caregivers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and Poisson regression analysis (α=5%). The prevalence of AOB and PC was 21.0% and 11.6%, respectively. AOB was significantly associated with the three-year-old age group (PR: 1.37; 95%CI: 1.24-1.52), enrollment in public school (PR: 1.09; 95%CI: 1.01-1.17) and duration of pacifier sucking ≥ 36 months (PR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.30-1.53). PC was associated with pacifier use (PR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.05-1.17) and duration of breastfeeding <12 months (PR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.00-1.10). Socioeconomic factors appear not to be related to AOB or PC in the primary dentition, except type of preschool. Breastfeeding should be encouraged for longer periods and the use of pacifier beyond 3 years of age represents a predisposing factor for both types of malocclusion, especially AOB.