Abstract

LEONCIO, Larissa Lima et al. Prevalence of malocclusion among five-year-old children in Patos, PB, Brazil. Arq. Odontol. [online]. 2015, vol.51, n.1, pp. 25-31. ISSN 1516-0939.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion in preschool children of public schools in Patos, PB, Brazil. Methods: The study population consisted of children of both genders, who were regularly enrolled in public schools in Patos and who were inserted into a university extension project. The occlusal analysis consisted of a clinical examination by a single, previously calibrated examiner and recorder. The clinical examination was performed in the school environment, under natural lighting, with the child seated facing the examiner, with the Frankfurt Plane parallel to the ground and in maximum intercuspidation, using a mouth mirror and a CPI/ WHO millimeter periodontal probe. The canine key, overjet, overbite, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite and anterior open bite were evaluated. In children with normal occlusion, the type of arch was also rated. Statistical analysis was performed descriptively by absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables, and the the chi- square (X2) test was used for statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%. Results: This study evaluated 131 5-year-old children, 45.8% were female and 54.2% male. Results showed a 38.2% prevalence of malocclusion with the highest rates for anterior open bite (30.0%) and overbite (28.0%). Regarding the type of arch, it was observed that the type II arc was the most prevalent (48.1%). No statistically significant correlation was observed among the following variables: presence of malocclusion, type of malocclusion, and type of dental arch according to gender (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of malocclusion in the examined children was significant, highlighting the need for early intervention. Thus, it is necessary to implement public policies aimed at the prevention and control of orthodontic problems in children in this age group.

Keywords : Malocclusion; Preschool child; Epidemiology.