Prevalence and determinants of orthodontic malocclusions in children: a multifactorial analysis

Authors : Yasin Akbulut, Semih Ercan Akgün

Pages : 889-895

Doi:10.32322/jhsm.1760149

View : 73 | Download : 444

Publication Date : 2025-09-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: To determine the prevalence of orthodontic malocclusions in children and adolescents and to evaluate, through a multifactorial approach, the associations between these malocclusions and mesiodistal dimension loss, presence of dental caries, missing teeth, oral hygiene habits, and dietary behaviors. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 1092 children aged 4-15 years. Participants were stratified into age groups, and clinical examinations were performed to assess malocclusion type, number of missing and decayed teeth, oral hygiene indices (Gingival Index and Plaque Index), as well as individual oral hygiene and dietary habits. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Depending on the data type and distribution, Chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction, two-proportion Z tests, ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD, Kruskal-Wallis with Bonferroni-adjusted Dunn, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of orthodontic malocclusions increased significantly with age, being most common in the 10-12 and 13-15 age groups (p<0.001). All malocclusion types were significantly more prevalent among individuals with mesiodistal dimension loss, with class IV malocclusion observed exclusively in this group (p<0.001). Children with class II malocclusion had the highest mean number of missing teeth, which was significantly greater than those with no malocclusion (p<0.001). Similarly, the mean number of decayed teeth was significantly higher in class II and class III groups compared to those without malocclusion (p<0.001 and p=0.042, respectively). Oral hygiene and dietary habits were also significantly associated with malocclusion types. Lower tooth brushing frequency, lack of interdental cleaning, and higher consumption of acidic and sugary foods were more common among those with malocclusion (p<0.001). Additionally, poor oral hygiene and diet were strongly correlated with increased rates of caries (p<0.001) and missing teeth (p<0.05). Conclusion: Orthodontic malocclusions increase progressively with age and are significantly associated with dental caries, tooth loss, inadequate oral hygiene, and unhealthy dietary habits. The implementation of multidisciplinary oral health strategies at an early age may be effective in reducing the incidence of both orthodontic anomalies and dental caries.
Keywords : Malokluzyon, Diş Çürüğü, Diş Kaybı, Ağız Hijyeni, Beslenme Alışkanlıkları, Çocuklar

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