Clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with dental extractions in a clinical sample

Abstract The objective of the present study was to identify the reasons for dental extractions in patients seeking dental care in a university dental clinic in Mexico. This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 284 consecutive patients at the School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico between August 2017 and November 2018. In total, 505 extractions were performed. The dependent variable was the reason for extraction: 0) dental caries and ensuing sequels (reference category); 1) periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; and 2) other reasons. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were included as independent variables. The analysis was done with multinomial logistic regression (Stata 14.0). Out of all extractions, 63.6% (n=321) were due to dental caries and ensuing sequels; 22.0% (n=111) were due to periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; 5.3% (n=27) endodontic failure; 5.1% (n=26) prosthetic indications; 1.6% (n=8) orthodontic indications; and the rest (2.4%) were due to other reasons. In the multivariate model extractions due to periodontal disease vs dental caries were associated with occasionally smoking tobacco (Odds Ratio, OR=3.90) or daily tobacco use (OR=3.19); the tooth to be extracted having been previously restored (OR=2.35); extracted anterior as opposed to posterior teeth (OR =2.63); and patients with multiple extractions (OR=2.68). In the case of extractions due to "other reasons", no variable was significant. Dental caries and periodontal disease were the main reasons for dental extraction in this sample. Several variables, mostly clinical, were associated with extractions for periodontal reasons.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os motivos das extrações dentárias em pacientes que procuram atendimento odontológico em uma clínica odontológica universitária no México. Este é um estudo transversal que avaliou 284 pacientes consecutivos na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México entre agosto de 2017 e novembro de 2018. No total, foram realizadas 505 extrações. A variável dependente foi o motivo da extração: 0) cárie dentária e sequelas subsequentes (categoria de referência); 1) doença periodontal e sequelas subsequentes; e 2) outros motivos. Variáveis sociodemográficas, socioeconômicas e clínicas foram incluídas como variáveis independentes. A análise foi feita com regressão logística multinomial (Stata 14.0). De todas as extrações, 63,6% (n=321) foram devidas a cárie dentária e sequelas subsequentes; 22,0% (n=111) foram devidas a doença periodontal e sequelas subsequentes; 5,3% (n=27) a insucesso endodôntico; 5,1% (n=26) a indicações protéticas; 1,6% (n=8) a indicações ortodônticas; e o restante (2,4%) foi devido a outros motivos. No modelo multivariado, as extrações por doença periodontal vs. cárie dentária foram associadas ao tabagismo ocasional (Odds Ratio, OR=3,90) ou ao uso diário de tabaco (OR=3,19); ao fato de o dente a ser extraído ter sido restaurado anteriormente (OR=2,35); à extração de dentes anteriores em vez de posteriores (OR=2,63); e a pacientes com extrações múltiplas (OR=2,68). No caso de extrações devido a "outros motivos", nenhuma variável foi significativa. A cárie dentária e a doença periodontal foram os principais motivos de extração dentária nessa amostra. Diversas variáveis, principalmente clínicas, foram associadas às extrações por motivos periodontais.

Traumatic dental injuries in 6 to 12 years old schoolchildren: a multicenter cross-sectional study in Mexico

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental trauma in schoolchildren 6 to 12 years of age and associated clinical, sociodemographic, and socioeconomic variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 477 children from public elementary schools in four locations in Mexico. The dependent variable was dental trauma, which was dichotomized in 0 = without dental trauma and 1 = with dental trauma. For the statistical analysis, a multivariate binary logistic regression model was generated in Stata. Average age was 9.06±1.94 years and 51.1% were girls. The prevalence of dental trauma was 18.2%. Falls, automobile accidents and sports had the highest number of instances (p < 0.01). In the multivariate model, it was observed that the risk of dental trauma increased with age (OR = 1.28) and among boys (OR = 1.45). Schoolchildren with decreased overjet (OR = 0.38) had lower dental trauma. Father's age (OR = 1.03) and educational level (OR = 1.78) were associated with dental trauma. Schoolchildren without health insurance (OR = 0.62) presented dental trauma less often. This study provided important information regarding the association of different sociodemographic, socioeconomic and clinical variables with dental trauma in Mexican schoolchildren. Identifying factors associated with dental trauma may support health promotion opportunities to ameliorate the prevalence of dental trauma.

Remineralizing Effect of Xilitol, Juniperus Communis and Camellia Sinensis Added to a Toothpaste: An In Vitro Study / Efecto remineralizante del Xilitol, Juniperus Communis y Camellia Sinensis adicionados en pastas dentales: Estudio in vitro

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore the remineralizing effect of toothpastes based on Xilitol, Camellia Sinensis and Juniperus Communis. An in vitro experimental study was carried out in an 18 human premolars sample, which were treated with one of the 3 evaluated toothpastes and a control fluoride one. The atomic percentages of Ca and P were evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the enamel surface of treated teeth was visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The evaluations were carried out in three stages: pre-treatment, after an artificial demineralization process and after the treatment with the toothpastes. In the statistical analysis, the one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests were used. Xilitol and Juniperus Communis showed the greatest gain of P ions compared to the control group (p<0.01). As for Ca, the group treated with xylitol-based toothpaste showed more ion gain compared with the control group (p<0.01). In the Pearson correlation test between Ca and P, statistically significant correlations were observed in all groups (p<0.01), ranging between r=0.7413 (Xylitol Group) and r=0.9510 (Control Group). We concluded that Xylitol paste showed the highest remineralizing property, both in the EDS analysis and in the SEM images.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este studio fue explorer el efecto remineralizante de las cremas dentales compuestas de Xilitol, Camelia Sinensis y Juniperus Communis. Se llevó a cabo un estudio experimental in vitro en una muestra de 18 premolares humanos, los cuales fueron tratados con una de las tres pastas dentales evaluadas y una fluorada. Los porcentajes atomicos de Ca y P fueron evaluados por Espectroscopia de rayos X de energía dispersive (EDS). Además, la superficie del esmalte de los dientes tratados fue examinada por Microscopia Electronica de Barrido (SEM). Las evaluaciones fueron llevadas a cabo en tres etapas: pre-tratamiento, despues de un proceso artificial de desmineralizacion y después del tratamiento con las pastas dentales. Se usaron ANOVA de una via y correlacion de Pearson para el analisis estadistico. Xilitol y Juniperus Communis mostraron la mayor ganancia de iones P comparados con el grupo control (p<0.01), con rangos entre r=0.7413 (Grupo con Xylitol) and r=0.9510 (Group Control). Se concluyó que la pasta con Xilitol mostró las mayores propiedades remineralizantes, tanto en el analisis EDS y las imágenes SEM.

Leche humana y su efecto sobre la mineralización del esmalte: revisión de literatura

La leche materna es el alimento que provee al niño desde su nacimiento de todos los nutrientes que necesita para su crecimiento y desarrollo físico y psicológico. Su efecto sobre el tejido dental ha sido objeto de controversias, ya que se ha visto que actúa sobre la mineralización del esmalte y se ha asociado a caries de la infancia temprana. La leche humana tiene diversos componentes protectores para el esmalte dental pero al mismo tiempo contiene factores que pueden generar la pérdida de minerales. El propósito de esta revisión es exponer los elementos que producen la desmineralización y la remineralización del esmalte y proponer algunas medidas que apoyen la integridad de este tejido, así como recomendar la lactancia materna como la alimentación principal que el infante debe recibir durante el primer año de vida. La leche humana tiene diversas proteínas y elementos que ayudan en el proceso de desmineralización y remineralización del esmalte dental de la primera dentición. Se puede concluir que, la leche materna es el alimento ideal para los niños en los primeros años de vida. Por lo que hay que promover la lactancia materna como el método preferido para alimentar a los bebés. Se debe implementar la higiene desde que el primer diente erupciona en boca. Esta medida evitará que el posible efecto desmineralizante de la leche ejerza un efecto irreversible sobre el esmalte dental. Es conveniente orientar a las madres sobre el almacenamiento de la leche materna de tal manera que al ser consumida por el niño, no se encuentre acidificada, y no produzca un efecto dañino sobre el esmalte.

Breast milk provides the child of all the nutrients he needs for his growth and physical and psychological development beginning at birth. Its effect on dental tissue has been the subject of controversy, since it has been seen to act on the mineralization of enamel and has been associated with early childhood caries. Human milk has various protective components for tooth enamel but at the same time it contains factors that can cause the loss of minerals. The purpose of this review is to review the elements that produce the demineralization and remineralization of enamel and propose some measures that support the integrity of this tissue, as well as to recommend breastfeeding as the main feeding source that the infant should receive during the first year of life. Human milk has various proteins and elements that help in the process of demineralization and remineralization of the tooth enamel of first dentition. It can be concluded that, breast milk is the ideal food for children during the first years of life. Therefore, breastfeeding should be promoted as the preferred method of feeding babies. Oral hygiene should be implemented as soon as the first tooth erupts. This measure will prevent the possible demineralizing effect of milk from exerting an irreversible effect on tooth enamel. It is advisable to guide mothers on the storage of breast milk so that when consumed by the child, it is not acidified, and does not produce harmful effects on the enamel.

Tendencias de la mortalidad por cáncer oral y el efecto de las políticas públicas de prevención en América Latina / Trends in oral cancer mortality and the effect of preventive policies across Latin America

OBJETIVO: Describir las tendencias de la mortalidad por cáncer oral entre 2000 y 2017 por sexos en 20 países de América Latina, e identificar los efectos de las políticas implementadas para controlar de los factores de riesgo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio ecólogico que evaluó la relación entre las tasas estandarizadas por edad de mortalidad por cáncer oral según el sexo, la prevalencia de tabaquismo y consumo de alcohol y la implementación de las políticas públicas de control. RESULTADOS: Los hombres de Cuba y Brasil muestran las más altas tasas de mortalidad en la región. Los descensos más importantes se presentan en los hombres de Brasil y en las mujeres de Panamá. Son pocas las tendencias al aumento, aunque éstas se evidencian especialmente entre las mujeres. La implementación de las medidas de control de factores de riesgo, en cuanto a tabaco, alcohol, infecciones virales, programas de detección temprana y tratamiento, muestra avances desiguales entre los países. Se observó una mayor relación entre la mortalidad por cáncer oral con el consumo de tabaco en los contextos de menor implementación de las políticas, y el consumo de alcohol en los escenarios de mayor avance. CONCLUSIÓN: La mortalidad por cáncer oral afecta especialmente a los hombres de la región, lo que se puede asociar a la distribución de los factores etiológicos y avances desiguales de los países en la implementación de las medidas preventivas. Se requiere profundizar en investigación subnacional de seguimiento, y fortalecer la prevención y tratamiento con estrategias validas para cada contexto.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in oral cancer mortality between 2000 and 2017 by sex in 20 countries in Latin America, and identify the effects of the policies that were implemented to control associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ecological study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between age-standardized rates of oral cancer mortality by sex, the prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption, and the implementation of public control policies. RESULTS: Men in Cuba and Brazil show the highest mortality rates in the region. The most important decreases occurred among Brazilian men and Panamanian women. There are only a few cases of increasing trends, although these are especially evident among women. The implementation of risk factor control measures, in terms of tobacco, alcohol, viral infections, early detection programs and treatment, have progressed unevenly in different countries. A strong relationship was observed between oral cancer mortality and tobacco consumption in countries with limited policy implementation; and with alcohol consumption in countries with advanced implementation. CONCLUSION: Oral cancer mortality especially affects men in the region, which can be associated with the distribution of etiological factors and unequal advances in countries in the implementation of preventive measures. It is necessary to further develop subnational follow-up research and strengthen prevention and treatment measures with valid strategies, adapted for each context.

Consulta por extracción dental en niños nicaragüenses: una aproximación a las necesidades de atención bucal

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a las visitas al dentista por motivo de extracción dental en niños nicaragüenses. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en una muestra de escolares de 6 a 12 años de edad. Se incluyeron 1400 niños de escuelas públicas, a cuyos padres/tutores se les aplicó un cuestionario para determinar una serie de variables sociodemográficas, socioeconómicas y dentales. La variable dependiente fue la visita al dentista por extracción dental (VDED), la cual fue categorizada como: 0=Sin visita al dentista, 1= VDED, pero no en el último año, 2= VDED en el último año. En el análisis estadístico se emplearon pruebas estadísticas no paramétricas. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 9.00±2.00 años y las mujeres representaron el 49.9%. Del total de la muestra, 21.6% acudieron al dentista por extracción dental, de los cuales 9.8% lo hicieron hace más de un año y 11.8% durante al año pasado previo a la encuesta. Las variables que mostraron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en el análisis estadístico de las VDED fueron la edad, la edad de la madre, y la posición socioeconómica. Conclusiones: Uno de cada cinco niños tuvo VDED. Las visitas al dentista por extracciones dentales podrían utilizarse como un indicador del estado de salud bucal de la población, ya que son una aproximación a las necesidades de salud que presentan.

Objective: To identify factors associated with visits to the dentist for dental extraction in Nicaraguan children. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out in a sample of schoolchildren from 6 to 12 years of age. We included 1400 children from public schools, whose parents / guardians were given a questionnaire to determine a series of sociodemographic, socioeconomic and dental variables. The dependent variable was defined as a dental visit for dental extraction (VDED), which was categorized as: 0 = No visit to the dentist, 1 = VDED, but not in the last year, 2 = VDED in the last year. For statistical analysis, nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results: The average age was 9.00 ± 2.00 years, 49.9% of the total were females. Of the total sample, 21.6% went to the dentist for a dental extraction, of which 9.8% did so more than a year ago and 11.8% had gone during the year prior to the survey. The variables that showed significant differences (p <0.05) in the statistical analysis of the VDED were age of the patient, the age of the mother, and the socioeconomic status. Conclusions: One in five children had VDED. Visits to the dentist for dental extractions could be used as an indicator of the oral health status of the population, since they are an approximation the other health needs present in the population.

Dientes natales y neonatales: una revisión de la literatura

Los dientes que erupcionan antes de tiempo, desde el nacimiento o posterior a éste, son denominados comúnmente dientes natales o neonatales. Se clasifican de acuerdo al grado de maduración o apariencia. La prevalencia varía de 1 en 44 a 1 en 30,000 nacimientos. Son más frecuentes los dientes natales que los neonatales. Por lo general, pertenecen a la dentición primaria, ocurren de forma bilateral y predominan entre las mujeres. Todavía de etiología desconocida, la teoría más aceptable es que el germen dental tiene una localización superficial. Clínicamente se ven como dientes primarios normales, suelen ser más pequeños, algunas veces de forma cónica. Generalmente son móviles por la falta de formación radicular y presentan alteraciones del esmalte; pueden revelar una apariencia inmadura con hipoplasia del esmalte de bordes irregulares y agudos; su coloración puede ser marrón-amarillento / opaco blanquecino. Radiográficamente hay ausencia de raíz. Histológicamente, la mayoría de los dientes natales y neonatales pueden seguir un patrón de mineralización normal, pero también presentan alteraciones tanto en el esmalte como en la dentina. Otros descubrimientos incluyen ausencia de la capa basal de Weil, vaina de Hertwig y cemento; además de un incremento en el número de vasos sanguíneos dilatados en la pulpa. El tratamiento debe ser adaptado a cada diente y cada niño. Los tratamientos disponibles son: la extracción o el mantenimiento del diente en la arcada. La complicación más común de los dientes neonatales o natales es la ulceración traumática de la parte ventral de la lengua debido a la fricción, llamada úlcera de Riga Fede. No hay reporte de broncoaspiración. El tratamiento de los dientes natales y neonatales deben valorarse con mucho cuidado; estimando su movilidad, integridad, compromiso de la alimentación y la presencia de alguna úlcera.

Teeth that erupt early are commonly referred to as natal or neonatal teeth. They can be classified according to the degree of maturity or appearance. Their prevalence varies from 1 in 44 to 1 in 30,000 births. Natal teeth are more frequent than neonatal teeth, and they often belong to the primary dentition; they occur bilaterally and principally among women. The etiology of these teeth is unknown, and the most acceptable theory is that the tooth germ is located superficially. Clinically, they resemble normal primary teeth, although they are often smaller and sometimes conical. They are generally characterized by a lack of root formation, changes in enamel and dentin, an immature appearance with hypoplastic enamel and sharp irregular and edges, and yellowish-brown/white opaque coloration. Radiographically there is no root. Histologically, most natal and neonatal teeth may follow a pattern of normal mineralization, but also have alterations in both enamel and dentin. Other findings include absence of the basal layer of Weil, Hertwig's sheath and cement; besides an increase in the number of blood vessels in dilated pulp. Treatment should be tailored to each tooth and each child. Available treatments include extraction or maintenance of the tooth in the arch. The most common complication of neonatal teeth or natal is traumatic ulceration of the ventral portion of the tongue due to friction, called Fede-Riga disease (ulcer). No reports of aspiration exist in the literature. The treatment of natal and neonatal teeth should be assessed very carefully to estimate their mobility, integrity, feeding baby, and the presence of some ulcers.

Influência da experiência do observador sobre o desempenho diagnóstico na detecção de lesões periapicais simuladas / Influence of observer’s experience on diagnosing simulated periapical lesions

Introdução: comparar o desempenho de observadorescom diferentes níveis de conhecimento na detecção de lesõesperiapicais. Material: foram obtidas nove hemiarcadasinferiores humanas secas. As lesões periapicais foram criadascom uma broca e séries radiográficas foram tomadasde cada hemiarcada inferior, em quatro estágios (inicial,sem osso esponjoso e após remoção de 0,5 e 1mm de ossocortical). Cada série radiográfica foi composta por cincoradiografias digitais tiradas em diferentes orientações (ortorradial,mesiorradial, distorradial, linguorradial e vestibulorradial).Trinta e seis séries de radiografias foram obtidas,com um total de 180 imagens. As imagens foram avaliadaspor examinadores experientes e alunos. Foram aplicados ostestes de Mann-Whitney e de correlação de Spearman paracomparar os dados. Resultados: em nenhuma etapa doestudo foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas(p ≤ 0,05) entre os observadores, com associaçãopositiva de correlação de Spearman em duas etapas (remoçãode 0,5mm e 1mm de osso cortical; com 0,866 e 0,500,respectivamente). Conclusões: não houve diferenças estatisticamentesignificativas na precisão diagnóstica entre examinadoresexperientes e alunos quanto à detecção de lesõesperiapicais simuladas em mandíbulas humanas secas.

Afectación de la salud oral en niños que padecen maltrato infantil: reporte de caso / Impact of oral health in children with child abuse: a case report

El maltrato infantil es una patología de la cual se tienen registros desde las civilizaciones antiguas como la griega y egipcia; pero es hasta 1924 que se firma la declaración de Ginebra: Derechos de la infancia, siendo el IX derecho: No al Maltrato. En México se tiene registro de maltrato infantil desde hace 20 años. Se ha tipificado el maltrato infantil en dos grandes rubros: activo y pasivo, la negligencia odontológica es clasificado como maltrato pasivo, por lo tanto el odontólogo (en especial el Odontopediatra) debe prestar atención al hacer la inspección clínica y elaboración de historia clínica del paciente, para encontrar indicios de maltrato infantil y llevar a cabo la atención de estos pacientes con adecuado manejo de su conducta, la cual puede ser variable dependiendo el tipo de maltrato que ha sufrido. Las consecuencias del maltrato en cavidad oral son múltiples y pueden manifestarse a corto, largo y mediano plazo. En este artículo se presenta un caso clínico de maltrato por abandono, negligencia odontológica y las consecuencias que éste tuvo en la salud oral y general de la paciente.

Child abuse is a disease for which there are records from ancient civilizations like the Greek and Egyptian, but until 1924 when the Geneva Declaration was signed: Children's rights: No to Abuse. In Mexico records of child abuse have been kept for the last 20 years. It has classified child abuse into two major categories: active and passive, dental malpractice liability is classified as child abuse therefore the dentist (especially the pediatric dentist) should pay attention to realize a clinical inspection and preparation of patient history, for signs of child abuse, and carry out the care of these patients with adequate management of their behavior, which can vary depending on the type of abuse the child has suffered. The consequences of abuse in oral cavity are multiple and can occur at short, medium and long term. This article presents a case of abuse by dental neglect and the consequences that this has on oral health, and therefore on the general health of the patient.

Uso de endopostes de ionómero de vidrio en odontopediatría / Glass ionomer posts in pediatric dentistry

La caries dental afecta a todos los grupos de edad, sin preferencia por grupo de edad, raza o género. La caries temprana de la infancia se presenta en menores de seis años. En el presente trabajo se reporta el caso de un paciente femenino de cuatro años ocho meses de edad con caries temprana de la infancia en el incisivo lateral superior izquierdo en el cual se realizó una pulpectomía y fue rehabilitado con la confección directa de un endoposte de ionómero de vidrio de triple curado como rehabilitación para la colocación de corona de cromo-níquel.

The dental caries affect almost all people without predilection of age or gender. The early childhood caries has a high prevalence, especially, in children before six years-old. The next case report shows a four years eight months old female patient diagnosed with early childhood caries on the left upper lateral incisor. First, the patient was treated with a pulpotomy followed by direct intra-canal post used luting cement of glass ionomer. The finally step of rehabilitation consisted on the cement of a chromium-nickel crown.

Cephalometric norms according to the Harvold´s analysis / Normas cefalométricas de acuerdo al análisis de Harvold

The purpose of this study was to establish cephalometric norms by age and gender of Harvold´s analysis for people living in the central region of Mexico and compare them with other populations to found morphologic craniofacial differences. One hundred sixteen males and 125 females were studied. The participants were divided into age groups. The parents and grandparents of the participants were born in Mexico. All participants had class I occlusion with normal growth, facial symmetry, no crowding and no previous orthodontic, orthopedic or maxillofacial surgery treatment. Lateral skull x-rays were obtained; each radiograph was analyzed on with a Harvold-like analysis. For statistical evaluation, the Student t´ test was used to compare the age groups between males and females. Significant gender differences were found in the following measurements: maxillary position, mandible position, and the anterior lower facial height in all age groups. Differences were found in the cranial and dental positions with other races respect to facial growth. Because every gender and race have their own characteristics, it is appropriate to use correct cephalometric norms in daily orthodontic practice. It is suggested to use the analysis of Harvold in a complementary way when in diagnosing a patient there is doubt on the alterations in the maxillae.

El propósito de este estudio fue establecer normas cefalométricas por edad y sexo de acuerdo al análisis de Harvold, para población de la región central de México y comparar estos patrones con otras poblaciones para encontrar diferencias en las características morfológicas craneofaciales. 116 hombres y 125 mujeres conformaron el estudio, divididos por grupos de edad. Los padres y abuelos de los participantes eran originarios de México. Todos los sujetos tenían clase I molar con un desarrollo normal, simetría facial, sin apiñamiento y sin previo tratamiento ortodóntico, ortopédico o cirugía maxilofacial. Se obtuvieron las radiografías laterales de cráneo; cada una se examinó de acuerdo al análisis cefalométrico de Harvold. Para el análisis estadístico, se aplicó la prueba t’ de Student para hacer la comparación entre grupos de edad y sexo. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres en los siguientes parámetros: posición maxilar, posición mandibular y altura facial anteroinferior en todos los grupos de edad. Se demostraron diferencias en la posición dental y craneal con otras razas, respecto al crecimiento facial. Cada género y raza presenta sus características propias, por lo que es apropiado utilizar normas cefalométricas adecuadas en la práctica ortodóntica diaria. Se sugiere utilizar el análisis de Harvold como auxiliar o complemento cuando existe duda en el diagnóstico del paciente debido a alteraciones de los maxilares.

Dental arch morphology of Mazahua and mestizo teenagers from central Mexico

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the morphologic characteristics of the dental arches in the ethnic group “Mazahua” and mestizo teenagers from central Mexico. Methods: A sample of 80 Mazahua and 80 mestizo teenagers with normal occlusion, divided into two age groups, were evaluated. A digital caliper was used to measure in cast models the intercanine width, intermolar width, length and perimeter of the arch, occlusal intermaxillary curve (of Spee), overjet, and overbite. A comparative analysis with Student’s t-test was applied between gender and population groups. Results: Comparison of the dental arches between Mazahua and mestizo teenagers revealed that statistically significant differences existed with respect to most of the measurements. In most cases, they were greater in males; the Mazahua teenagers had intercanine and intermolar widths greater than mestizo teenagers. Conclusions: Each group has a characteristic dental arch form. The ethnic group Mazahua has squared arches, whereas the mestizo teenagers have oval arches, which give them their particular facial characteristics. These findings indicate that population-specific standards are necessary for clinical assessments.