Objective: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prevalence and the severity of malocclusion have increased over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusions, such as open bite and crossbite, and behavioral, demographic and socioeconomic variables in a sample of 5-year-old children attending preschools.
Methods: The random sample consisted of 728 preschool children attending 22 public (n = 428) and 18 private (n = 300) preschools. A calibrated examiner performed the epidemiological examination outdoors, under natural light, using dental mirror and CPI probe. Information on socioeconomic status and the presence of deleterious oral habits was collected by a questionnaire sent to parents. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: The deleterious oral habits were observed in 83.1% of the children and were significantly associated with social class. Pacifier use (OR = 21.71), thumb sucking (OR = 4.72); atypical swallowing (OR = 7.35) and mouth breathing (OR = 4.65) were risk indicators for open bite. Pacifier use (OR = 1.59), lip interposition (OR = 1.78), mouth breathing (OR = 1.96) and gender (OR = 1.88) were risk indicators for crossbite.
Conclusions: Environmental factors, such as the presence of deleterious oral habits as well as social class, play an important role in identifying children with open and/or crossbite.