Effect of mouth breathing on upper airway structure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To compare the changes of morphology of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） and healthy individuals during oral or nasal breathing, and explore the relevant influencing factors. Methods:Twenty-nine adult patients with OSAHS and 20 non-snoring controls underwent MRI to obtain upper airway structural measurements while the subjects were awake and during mouth breathing with a nasal clip.The following were analyzed. ①The changes of upper airway structure of oral and nasal respiration in non-snoring control/OSAHS patients were observed; ②The differences and influencing factors of upper airway structure changes between OSAHS patients and controls were compared during breathing. Results:The control group consisted of 15 males and 5 females, with an apnea-hypopnea index （AHI）<5 events/h, while the OSAHS group comprised 26 males and 3 females with an AHI of 40.4±23.1 events/h and the mean lowest arterial oxygen saturation （LSaO2） was 79.5% ±10.0%. In the both groups, the vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall decreased （P<0.05）; The long axis of tongue body decreased （P<0.05）, and the contact area between tongue and palate decreased. There was no significant change in the total volume of the retropalatine（RP） and retroglossal（RG） airway in the control group （P>0.05）. However, the minimum cross-sectional area and volume of the RP airway in OSAHS decreased （P<0.001）. The lateral diameters of uvula plane in OSAHS decreased during mouth breathing, which was contrary to the trend in the control group （P=0.017）. The AHI of patients was positively correlated with the reduction of the volume of the RP airway during oral breathing （P=0.001）; The reduction of the distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall was positively correlated with the length of the airway （P<0.001）. Conclusion:Mouth breathing leads to the shortening of the long axis of the tongue, the reduction of the contact area between the soft palate and the tongue, vertical distance between the mandible and the posterior pharyngeal wall, and the cross-sectional area of the epiglottis plane. These changes vary between OSAHS patients and controls. During mouth breathing, the diameters, areas and volumes of the RP area decreased, and were more significant in severe cases.

Patência nasal em crianças respiradoras orais / Nasal patency in mouth breathing children

RESUMO Vários estudos mostram a importância da avaliação quantitativa na patência nasal e do estado funcional das vias aéreas superiores para fornecer informações clínicas e diagnósticas em indivíduos respiradores orais, as quais são de grande interesse para a fonoaudiologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da irrigação de solução salina nasal nas vias aéreas superiores através da aeração nasal e rinomanometria anterior ativa em crianças respiradoras orais. Estudo de série de oito casos, realizado em crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, com diagnóstico clínico otorrinolaringológico de respiração oral. O estudo consistiu em três etapas: avaliação inicial; intervenção e avaliação final. Foram aplicados os questionários do Índice de Identificação dos Sinais e Sintomas da Respiração Oral e qualidade de vida específica para doenças em pacientes pediátricos com queixas sinonasais. Realizaram-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e o exame da rinomanometria anterior ativa. A intervenção foi realizada por meio da irrigação de solução salina nasal com 10 ml. Em seguida, os pacientes foram reavaliados pela avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, para comparar os resultados. Em relação à avaliação da aeração nasal e rinomanometria, das 16 medidas comparativas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal, constataram-se mudanças significativas na aeração nasal e na resistência nasal. A irrigação nasal resultou em melhora nas medidas da aeração nasal, enquanto para o fluxo nasal da rinomanometria, as medidas permaneceram inalteradas entre pré e pós-irrigação nasal.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown the importance of quantitative assessment in nasal patency and functional status of the upper airways to provide clinical and diagnostic information in oral breather individuals, which are of great interest to speech therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nasal saline solution irrigation on the upper airways through nasal aeration and active anterior rhinomanometry in oral breathing children. This was an eight case series study, carried out in children aged 7 to 10 years with an otorhinolaryngological clinical diagnosis of mouth breathing. The study consisted of three stages: (I) initial evaluation; (II) intervention; and (III) final evaluation. The questionnaires of the Index for the Identification of Oral Breathing Signs and Symptoms and disease-specific quality of life in pediatric patients with sinonasal complaints were applied, nasal aeration assessments and the anterior active rhinomanometry exam were carried out. The intervention was performed by irrigating nasal saline solution with 10ml. Afterwards, they were re-evaluated by nasal aeration evaluation and rhinomanometry to compare the results. Regarding nasal aeration and rhinomanometry evaluation, from the 16 comparative measurements between pre and post nasal irrigation, we obtained significant changes in nasal aeration and nasal resistance. Nasal irrigation resulted in improvement in nasal aeration measurements while nasal flow measurements from rhinomanometry remained unchanged considering pre and post nasal irrigation.

Associação entre posição de língua, lábios e respiração em recém-nascidos / Association between tongue, lips position and breathing in newborns

RESUMO Objetivo verificar a associação entre fluxo expiratório nasal e postura de lábios e língua no repouso, presença de movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e queixa materna de dificuldade respiratória do recém-nascido nos primeiros dias de vida. Método estudo observacional, realizado com 130 recém-nascidos do alojamento conjunto de um hospital Universitário. Foram incluídos recém-nascidos a termo, com idade entre 1 e 5 dias de vida, APGAR maior ou igual a oito, em aleitamento materno exclusivo. Foram coletados os seguintes dados: posição de lábios e língua no repouso, fluxo expiratório nasal, presença de movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e queixa materna de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, sendo aplicado o Teste Exato de Fisher e o Qui-Quadrado, adotando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Há uma associação significativa entre queixas maternas de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar pelo nariz com movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua e fluxo expiratório nasal; posição de língua com posição de lábios no repouso, movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua com fluxo expiratório nasal e posição de língua no repouso; fluxo expiratório nasal com posição de língua no repouso. Conclusão O fluxo expiratório nasal simétrico está associado com a posição de língua elevada e lábios fechados no REPOUSO; por outro lado, o fluxo expiratório nasal maior e/ou ausente em uma narina está associado com queixa materna de dificuldade do recém-nascido para respirar, posição de lábios abertos/entreabertos E posição de língua baixa no repouso, bem como, com movimentos repetidos de anteriorização de língua.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the association between breathing nasal expiratory flow and posture of lips and tongue at rest, presence of repeated forward movements of the tongue and maternal complaint of respiratory difficulty in the newborn in the first days of life. Method A observational study was carried out in 130 babies, in a university hospital. Included newborn with Apgar score greater than or equal to 8 in exclusive breast milk. It was the following data: position of lips and tongue at rest, nasal expiratory flow and maternal complaint of difficulty in breathing in the newborn. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the tests, Fisher's exact test and the Chi-Square test, adopting a significance level of 5% . Results there was a significant association between maternal complaint of newborn difficulty breathing with repeated forward tongue movements and nasal expiratory flow; tongue position with resting lips position at rest, repeated tongue forward movements with nasal expiratory flow and tongue position at rest; nasal expiratory flow exit with tongue position at rest. Conclusion Symmetrical nasal expiratory flow is associated with an elevated tongue position and closed lips at rest; on the other hand, increased and/or absent nasal expiatory flow in one nostril is associated with maternal complaints of difficulty in breathing, open/ half-open lips position and low tongue position during rest, as well as, repeated forward tongue movements.

Evaluation of the breathing mode by infrared thermography

Abstract Objectives: To analyze breathing modes with infrared thermography. Methods: Cross-sectional observational exploratory study conducted in 20 female participants with a mean age of 26.0-years. The thermograms were made following the principles of the American Academy of Thermology and the Brazilian Thermology Society. The camera FLIR A315 (FLIR Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) was used for the tests. The recordings consisted of the participants breathing normally through the nose for 2 min and simulating oral/oronasal breathing for another 2min. The thermograms were analyzed with the FLIR Tools software. An ellipse was placed between the nostrils and the lip commissures to obtain the mean temperatures. The collection was made by two independent researchers, and the normalized non-dimensional temperature was calculated. Results: The temperature in nasal breathing is higher than in oral/oronasal breathing both for inhaling and exhaling when measured in the region of the mouth. The exhaling temperatures were higher than the inhaling ones in oral/oronasal breathing (through the nose and the mouth) and nasal breathing (only through the nose). The temperature difference between exhaling and inhaling (ΔT) was greater in oral/oronasal breathing when measured in the region of the mouth. Conclusion: The thermographic assessment of breathing modes may be made by comparing the mean temperatures of the mouth, using an ellipse. Level of evidence: Study without consistently applied reference standards.

Influence of Breathing Modes and Facial Growth Patterns on Electromyographic Fatigue of Masticatory Muscles in Children

Abstract Introduction Changes in breathing patterns affect the harmonious development of the structures of the craniofacial system, leading to changes in posture, occlusion, and facial growth patterns. However, little is known about how these changes influence the muscle contraction patterns, either at rest or while functioning, and either in a normal or unbalanced condition. Objective To study the masseter and anterior temporal muscles fatigue during mastication in nasal- and mouth-breathing children, also considering their facial growth patterns. Methods: A total of 70 children aged 6 to 12 years old who met the study criteria were assessed. Speech-language-hearing, otorhinolaryngologic, and cephalometric assessments were performed to divide them into groups. In the electromyographic assessment, the children were asked to chew gum following a metronome until they felt fatigued. The median frequency of the muscles was analyzed at 15, 30, 45, and 60seconds of mastication.The reported time of fatigue perception was recorded. The data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis and the Mann-Whitney U tests. Results There were no median frequency decrease patterns nor differences in the myoelectric manifestations and reported time of fatigue between the groups. Conclusion The masticatory muscles did not reveal fatigue in the electromyographic analysis; however, the fatigue time was reported, despite the absence of physiological fatigue. The breathing mode, the facial growth pattern, and the association between them did not interfere with the behavior of the median frequency of the electromyographic signal and the fatigue time perception.

Is bad breath associated with dyspepsia? An association and an equivalence study

Abstract Halitosis affects all populations worldwide. The presence of chronic halitosis may be related to a health problem. Patients with bad breath usually seek a gastroenterologist and, in some cases, invasive and expensive exams, such as digestive endoscopy, are performed to investigate the etiology of halitosis. This study aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of bad breath in patients diagnosed with dyspepsia (any pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen) is higher than or equivalent to that in non-dyspeptic patients. This is a cross-sectional study that included 312 patients from university hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro (141 dyspeptic patients and 171 non-dyspeptic ones). The presence of halitosis was defined based on different cutoff points. Association analyses were performed using a log-binomial model and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the coefficients, adjusting for sex and age. The equivalence test (Westlake) was used to test the hypothesis of equivalence between the proportions of patients with bad breath in the two groups (dyspeptic vs. non-dyspeptic), considering an equivalence band of ± 15%. The prevalence of bad breath ranged from 30% to 64% according to the definition of bad breath. Dyspepsia was not associated with bad breath in any of the three definitions of bad breath (two specific ones and a sensitive one). The proportion of patients with marked bad breath was equivalent in patients with and without dyspepsia.

Assessment of mouth breathing by Speech-Language Pathologists: an international Delphi consensus

ABSTRACT Purpose mouth breathing (MB) has detrimental effects on children's growth. Diagnosis of MB is possible through a multidisciplinary approach including Speech-Language Pathologist's (SLP) assessment; however, SLPs currently have little to no defined selection criteria to determine the awake and habitual breathing pattern. This study aims at identifying relevant criteria for the assessment of the habitual and awake breathing pattern of preschool children, and developing a grid that would help SLPs diagnose MB in their clinical practice. Methods A three-rounded online international Delphi process was conducted to achieve a consensus on the relevant items and their interpretation. Agreement was established through a Content Validity Ratio calculation. Based on the agreed items, we developed a grid through a scoring function. Results Observing the child at rest (i.e., time spent with an open/closed mouth and position of the tongue/lips) was considered the most important criterion. The experts also considered that observing the breathing pattern while chewing (open/closed mouth) and after swallowing (i.e., air intake and open/ closed mouth just after swallowing) should provide relevant but secondary information in decision-making. We were able to establish a clinical grid based on those criteria. Conclusion The Delphi procedure provided content-valid criteria and conditions of observation for the myofunctional SLP assessment of the awake and habitual breathing pattern in preschoolers. A clinical validation of the developed prototype grid should be conducted in preschool children to explore its effectiveness in the diagnosis of MB.

Three-dimensional image study of accelerated maxillary expansion in oral breathing kids

Abstract Objective: To evaluate, by a three-dimensional study, the volumetric and integumentary effects of rapid maxillary expansion on the nose, in mouth breathing kids with maxillary hypoplasia, in the short term, assessing the possible interference of gender, growth and age on the results achieved. Methods: 120 mouth breathing patients with maxilla hypoplasia were divided into an Experimental Group treated by rapid maxillary expansion (n = 104, 62 males and 42 females, mean age 10.1 years, SD = 2.10, ranging from 5.1 to 13.9 years); and Control Group, constituted by 16 patients (9 males and 7 females, mean age 9.3 years, SD = 2.1 years, ranging from 6.1 to 13.2 years). Patients in the experimental group underwent multislice computed tomography examinations at two different times: (T1) pre-expansion and (T2) post-expansion. The control group was submitted to the same tests at the same time intervals. Six soft tissue variables of the nose were studied, besides the volume and area of the nasal cavity, and the measurement and comparison of data between T1 and T2 were performed using the Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium software. Results: The experimental group showed significant mean increases in all soft tissue variables studied (p < 0.005), yet there were no significant changes in the control group. In the comparison between groups, only inclination of the nasal dorsum did not present any significant change. Conclusion: Rapid maxillary expansion may alter the nasal shape and physiology, by anatomical changes in the nose soft tissues, making it an important aid in the treatment of mouth breathing in childhood. Level of evidence: The soft tissues of the nose play an important role in nasal shape and physiology and facial esthetics, and since they are directly related to the nasal valves, they are fundamental for maintenance and stability of the nasal breathing pattern.

Correlation and comparative evaluation of nasal index and nasal cavity volume in nasal and mouth breathers A preliminary cone-beam computed tomographic study

Introduction: Mouth breathing is one of the most deleterious oral habits with a prevalence of 4%–6% among children. Due to the wide range of comorbidities associated with mouth breathing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is indispensable. At present, there are very few objective methods available for the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The present study was planned to evaluate a possible correlation between nasal index (NI) and nasal cavity volume (NCV) among nasal and mouth breathers (MB). In addition, the average NCV of nasal and MB was also computed. The foresight of this research was to establish the significance of NI as an objective diagnostic tool for mouth breathing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 8–11-year-old children. The NI was determined using a digital Vernier caliper and NCV was calculated using dolphin imagingsoftware. Results: There was a significant difference in NCV and nasal width (NW) in both groups, but no difference was seen in nasal height and NI. There was no statistically significant correlation between NCV and other parameters in both groups. Conclusion: The present study was a baseline analysis in this line. Even though this study did not reveal any significant correlation between both parameters, future studies are recommended to explore a plausible correlation.

Termografia da face de crianças respiradoras orais e nasais / Facial thermography of mouth and nose breathing children

Introdução: A respiração oral é uma alteração prevalente na infância, que tem como uma das consequências a alteração na musculatura dos lábios. A termografia infravermelha, é uma opção para se avaliar a população infantil, pois não gera incômodo, é segura e não emite radiação. Acredita-se que a termografia da face e dos lábios possa auxiliar no diagnóstico e acompanhamento fonoaudiológico. Objetivo: 1) descrever a distribuição de temperatura na face de crianças respiradoras nasais; 2) verificar se os pontos termoanatômicos descritos para adultos pela literatura são facilmente visualizados nas crianças; 3) comparar os resultados da temperatura média dos pontos termoanatômicos da face entre os sexos; e 4) comparar a temperatura dos pontos termoanatômicos e áreas do lábio superior e lábio inferior entre crianças respiradoras orais e nasais. Métodos: estudo observacional transversal realizado com 30 crianças respiradoras nasais e 30 orais de quatro a 11 anos, de ambos os sexos. Utilizou-se a termografia infravermelha da face para obter um termograma frontal, um de perfil direito e outro esquerdo de cada participante. Foram marcados 14 pontos termoanatômicos no termograma frontal e 6 em cada de perfil, mais as áreas de lábio superior e inferior. Foi realizada análise qualitativa visual das imagens, além de análise descritiva e cálculo do ∆T (diferença entre os dois lados da face). Também foi realizada análise de concordância intra e interavaliadores na avaliação dos pontos utilizando-se o Coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Comparou-se as temperaturas entre os sexos de respiradores nasais, temperatura de respiradores orais e nasais por meio dos Testes T e Mann Whitney. Além disso, comparou-se a diferença entre a temperatura da área de lábio superior e inferior (∆T área) e dos pontos localizados no lábio superior com os do inferior (∆T pontos) entre respiradores orais e nasais utilizando-se os mesmos testes. Resultados: As maiores temperaturas foram no ponto Comissura Palpebral Medial na vista frontal e no ponto Temporal de perfil. O ponto supratroclear não é um ponto que se destaca na face das crianças. O ∆T foi maior que 0,3 para a maioria dos pontos. As regiões hiperradiantes foram testa, olhos e região perioral e as hiporradiantes nariz, bochechas e região do mento. A análise de concordância intra e interavaliadores na avaliação dos pontos variou de boa a ótima. Não foi encontrada diferença de temperatura entre os sexos. Verificou-se que os pontos termoanatômicos mais próximos ao lábio, áreas dos lábios e meato acústico externo apresentaram temperatura menor nos respiradores orais do que nos nasais. Não houve diferença entre os grupos no ∆T de área e pontos. Conclusão: as crianças respiradoras nasais apresentaram como regiões hiperradiantes a testa, os olhos e a região perioral. Os pontos termoanatômicos encontrados nas crianças, são coincidentes com os da população adulta, exceto o ponto Supratroclear, que não é nítido. Os respiradores nasais apresentaram assimetria térmica e não houve diferença entre os sexos. Crianças respiradoras orais apresentaram menor temperatura na região dos lábios e do meato acústico externo do que as respiradoras nasais e não houve diferença entre lábio superior e inferior.

Introduction: mouth breathing is a prevalent disorder in childhood, which has as consequence alteration in the muscle of the lips. Infrared thermography, is an interesting option to assess the child population, as it is safe and does not cause discomfort nor emit radiation. It is believed that thermography of the face and lips can help in the orofacial myology diagnosis and follow-up. Objective: 1) to describe the facial spatial temperature distribution of nose breathing children; 2) verify if the thermoanatomical points described for adults in the literature are easily viewed in nose breathing children; 3) to compare the results of the mean temperature of the thermoanatomical points of the face of nose breathing children between sexes; 4) to compare the temperature of the thermoanatomical points and areas of lips between mouth and nose breathing children. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of 30 nose-breathing and 30 mouth breathing children of both sexes aged 4 to 11 years. Front view, right side view, and left side view thermogram of each participant were recorded. The mean temperatures of 14 anatomical thermal points in the front view thermogram and 12 points in the side view and lip areas were assessed. A visual qualitative analysis of the images was performed, in addition to a descriptive analysis, and calculation of the ∆T (difference between the two sides of the face). Intra- and interrater agreement analyses of point assessment were made using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Temperatures were compared between sexes of nasal breathers, and temperatures of nose and mouth breathers using the T and Mann Whitney tests. In addition, the difference between the temperature of the upper and lower lip area (∆T area) and between the points located on the upper lip with those on the lower lip (∆T points) of mouth and nose breathers were compared using the same tests. Results: Medial Palpebral Commissure point had the highest temperature in the front view thermogram and Temporal point in the side view. The Supratrochlear point is not a point that stands out on the face of children. ∆T was greater than 0.3 for most points. The warmest regions were forehead, eyes and perioral region and the coldest, nose, cheeks and chin region. The analysis of intra- and inter-rater agreement in the assessment of points ranged from good to excellent. No temperature difference was found between the sexes. It was found that the thermoanatomical points closest to the lip, areas of the lips and External Acoustic Meatus presented lower temperature in mouth breathers than in nose ones. There was no difference between the groups in ∆T area and points. Conclusion: nose breathing children presented the forehead, eyes and perioral region as the hottest regions. The thermoanatomical points found in children are similar to those on the adult population, except for the Supratrochlear point, which does not stand out. Nose breathers showed thermal asymmetry and there was no difference between the sexes. Mouth breathing children have lower temperature in the region of the lips than nose breathing children.

Repercussão da adenotonsilectomia sobre o estado nutricional em crianças respiradoras orais / Repercussion of adenotonsillectomy on the nutritional status of mouth breathing children

Introdução: a hiperplasia adenotonsilar (HAT) é uma das causas mais comuns da Síndrome do Respirador Oral (SRO) devido à obstrução de via aérea superior em crianças e adolescentes. Tal afecção pode causar alterações ortodônticas, miofuncionais orofaciais, posturais, cardiopulmonares, antropométricas e polissonográficas. O diagnóstico precoce e indicação de Adenotonsilectomia (A&T) é essencial para reversão dessas consequências deletérias da SRO e restauração do bem estar biopsicossocial da criança.Objetivo: avaliar o estado nutricional, patência nasal, distúrbios do sono e fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina tipo 1 (IGF-1) em crianças de dois a doze anos de idade com SRO devido HAT grave e comparar com a reavaliação após seis meses de pós-cirúrgico das crianças operadas e com as demais que permanecem com obstrução da via aérea e aguardam a cirurgia na fila de espera do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: trinta pacientes com SRO por HAT grave e indicação de A&T foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica, polissonográfica, dosagem do IGF-1, rinomanométrica, teste alérgico cutâneo, questionário de padrão alimentar e prática de atividade física antes da A&T. Dez pacientes repetiram essa avaliação seis meses após o procedimento cirúrgico (grupo intervenção). Vinte pacientes aguardam a cirurgia na fila de espera do SUS e tiveram seus dados antropométricos e de IGF-1 reavaliados após seis meses com obstrução da via aérea (grupo controle). Resultados: trinta crianças realizaram a fase pré-operatória do estudo. A idade média foi de 5,6 anos (±2,17). Dezessete (56,7%) eram do sexo masculino e treze (43,3%) do sexo feminino. O teste cutâneo foi positivo em dezesseis indivíduos (53,3%) As médias dos escores Z de estatura por idade foi de -0,95 (±1,09); peso por idade de 0,17 (±1,42); índice de massa corporal (IMC) por idade de 0,31 (±1,36). A média do fluxo nasal inspiratório total (FNIT) foi de 444,63 ml/s (±161,02) e da patência nasal de 72,9% (±24,76). A média do índice de Apneia e Hipopneia (IAH) do sono foi de 4,95 ev/h (±4,07); da saturação mínima de oxihemoglobina no sono (Nadir de O2) de 78,93% (±6,00); da percentagem de sono com saturação menor que 90% (T90) de 4,16% (±5,48); da porcentagem do sono com ondas lentas (sono N3) de 37,62% (±9,61). A média do escore Z de IGF-1 foi de 0,72 (±1,30). O grupo intervenção e grupo controle não apresentaram alterações dos dados antropométricos com significância estatística. Houve diminuição do IGF-1 após a cirurgia sendo a média do escore Z de IGF-1 pré-operatório de 1,33 (±1,74) e pós-cirúrgico de -0,07 (±0,85); p=0,03. No grupo controle a variação do IGF-1 não foi significativa. O grupo intervenção não apresentou alteração com significância estatística do FNIT e da patência nasal. Nas dez crianças operadas foi constatada uma melhora da média do IAH de 5,25 ev/h (±4,29) para 1,99 ev/h (±1,16) e do T90 de 6,27% (±7,46) para 0,64% (±0,55) com p<0,05. Já o sono N3 e o Nadir de O2 não apresentaram alterações significativas. Não houve mudança qualitativa no padrão alimentar e na prática de atividade física nos dois períodos avaliados na vigência da pandemia de COVID19. Conclusão: Após A&T houve diminuição do IGF-1; p=0,03, melhora do IAH; p=0,03 e do T90; p=0,04. A cirurgia não modificou o estado nutricional com significância estatística nas dez crianças após 6 meses de pós-operatório. No pós-cirúrgico, não houve diferença estatística do FNIT e da patência nasal, assim como nessa amostra também não ocorreram alterações significativas do sono N3 e do Nadir de O2. O padrão alimentar e a prática de atividade física foram semelhantes qualitativamente no pré e no pós-operatório. Vinte crianças no grupo controle não tiveram alterações significativas dos dados antropométricos e do IGF-1 com seis meses de espera pela cirurgia e permanência da obstrução da via aérea. Não houve diferença estatística dos dados antropométricos e do IGF-1 entre o grupo controle e o grupo intervenção.

Introduction: adenotonsillar hyperplasia (ATH) is one of the most common causes of Mouth Breathing Syndrome (MBS) due to upper airway obstruction in children and adolescents. This condition can cause orthodontic, orofacial myofunctional, postural, cardiopulmonary, anthropometric and polysomnographic changes. Early diagnosis and indication of Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) is essential to revert these deleterious consequences of MBS and restore the child's biopsychosocial well-being. Objective: to evaluate the nutritional status, nasal patency, sleep disorders and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in children aged two to twelve years old with MBS due to severe ATH and compare with reassessment after six months post-surgical care of operated children and others who remain with airway obstruction and are waiting for surgery on the Unified Health System (UHS) waiting list. Methods: Thirty patients with MBS due to severe ATH and indication for T&A were submitted to anthropometric, polysomnographic, IGF-1 dosage, rhinomanometric, allergic skin test, dietary pattern questionnaire and physical activity practice before T&A. Ten patients repeated this evaluation six months after the surgical procedure (intervention group). Twenty patients were waiting for surgery on the UHS waiting list and had their anthropometric and IGF-1 data reassessed after six months with airway obstruction (control group). Results: Thirty children underwent the preoperative phase of the study. The mean age was 5.6 years (±2.17). Seventeen (56.7%) were male and thirteen (43.3%) were female. The skin test was positive in sixteen individuals (53.3%) The average Z-scores for height for age were -0.95 (±1.09); weight for age 0.17 (±1.42); body mass index (BMI) for age of 0.31 (±1.36). The mean total inspiratory nasal flow (TINF) was 444.63 ml/s (±161.02) and nasal patency was 72.9% (±24.76). The average sleep apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) was 4.95 ev/h (±4.07); minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep (O2 Nadir) of 78.93% (±6.00); percentage of sleep with saturation lower than 90% (T90) of 4.16% (±5.48); percentage of sleep with slow waves (N3) of 37.62% (±9.61). The mean IGF-1 Z-score was 0.72 (±1.30). The intervention group and control group did not show statistically significant changes in anthropometric data. There was a decrease in IGF-1 after surgery, with a mean preoperative IGF-1 Z-score of 1.33 (±1.74) and postoperative value of -0.07 (±0.85); p=0.03. In the control group, the IGF-1 variation was not significant. The intervention group did not show statistically significant changes in TINF and nasal patency. In the ten operated children, an improvement in the mean AHI from 5.25 ev/h (±4.29) to 1.99 ev/h (±1.16) and T90 of 6.27% (±7. 46) to 0.64% (±0.55) with p<0.05. On the other hand, N3 sleep and O2 Nadir showed no significant changes. There was no qualitative change in dietary patterns and physical activity in the two periods evaluated during the COVID19 pandemic. Conclusion: After T&A there was a decrease in IGF-1; p=0.03, AHI improvement; p=0.03 and T90 too; p=0.04. The surgery did not change the nutritional status with statistical significance in the ten children after 6 months postoperatively. Post-surgery, there was no statistical difference in TINF and nasal patency, as well as in this sample there were no significant changes in N3 sleep and O2 Nadir either. The dietary pattern and the practice of physical activity were qualitatively similar before and after the operation. Twenty children in the control group did not have significant alterations in anthropometric data and IGF-1 after six months of waiting for the surgery and the remaining airway obstruction. There was no statistical difference in anthropometric and IGF-1 data between the control and intervention groups.

Nasal airflow measures and peak inspiratory flow in mouth-breathing children before and after nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers / Medidas da aeração nasal e fluxo máximo inspiratório em crianças com respiração oral pré e pós manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal

ABSTRACT This study aimed at investigating the effects of nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers on upper airway patency in mouth-breathing children. This is a case report on eight children, aged 7 to 10 years, with a speech-language-hearing diagnosis of mouth breathing and otorhinolaryngological assessment and clinical diagnosis of rhinitis. Nasal airflow and patency were respectively assessed with the Glatzel mirror and Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF). Then, they were submitted to nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers with a saline solution, followed by reassessment with the Glatzel mirror and PNIF to compare results. The medians of total nasal airflow quantification were significant. Data on unilateral nasal cavity measurement indicated a sharp increase in nasal airflow in each nostril, with statistically significant differences between before and after nasal cleansing and massage maneuvers. The medians of the total PNIF were significant after the cleansing. It is concluded that the nasal airflow increased in PNIF after the cleansing maneuver.

RESUMO Esse estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da manobra de limpeza e massagem nasal na permeabilidade da via aérea superior de crianças com respiração oral. Trata-se de um relato de caso no qual foram selecionadas oito crianças com idade entre 7 a 10 anos apresentando diagnóstico fonoaudiológico de respiração oral, com avaliação otorrinolaringológica e diagnóstico clínico de rinites. Realizou-se as avaliações da aeração nasal e permeabilidade nasal, utilizando o espelho milimetrado de Altmann e o Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF), respectivamente. Em seguida, executou-se as manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal com soro fisiológico. Ao término, utilizou-se novamente o espelho de Altmann e o PNIF para comparar os resultados. Os resultados obtidos pelas medianas na quantificação da aeração nasal total foram significantes. Os dados da mensuração das cavidades nasais unilateralmente indicaram aumento acentuado na aeração nasal em cada narina, tendo diferenças estatisticamente significante quando comparados com os valores antes e depois das manobras de limpeza e massagem nasal. Os valores obtidos pelas medianas no Fluxo Nasal Máximo Inspiratório Total foram significantes após a limpeza. Concluiu-se que houve aumento da aeração nasal no fluxo nasal máximo inspiratório após manobra de limpeza.

Breathing pattern, orthognathic surgery and head posture in dentofacial deformity / Padrão respiratório, cirurgia ortognática e postura de cabeça na deformidade dentofacial

Abstract Introduction: Dentofacial deformity (DFD) and the breathing mode can change the head posture. However, head posture changes after orthognathic surgery are controversial, and no studies were found on the relationship between the head posture and breathing mode in adults with DFD. Objective: To identify the main head posture changes in young adults affected by DFD, to verify if orthognathic surgery modifies the breathing mode and head posture, and if the breathing mode is associated with the head posture. Methods: Twenty-five young adults were assessed and divided in dentofacial deformity group (DFD; n = 15; x̅ = 28 years) and control group with dentofacial harmony (CG; n = 10; balanced by gender and age with the study group). Breathing mode was evaluated according to the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol, and biophotogrammetry was used in the head posture analyses. For the DFD group, the evaluations were performed pre and post the orthognathic surgery (pre- and post-DFD). Results: For the DFD group, the breathing mode modified after orthognathic surgery (p = 0.003), but with difference from GC (p = 0.027). No changes were found in head posture after orthognathic surgery, but significant difference was seen between post-DFD and GC for head inclination (p = 0.017). No relationship was observed between breathing mode and head posture (p > 0.05). Conclusion: After orthognathic surgery, a spontaneous improvement of breathing was seen in the sample. It was not possible to verify changes in head posture and association with breathing mode and head posture.

Resumo Introdução: A deformidade dentofacial (DDF) e o modo respiratório podem alterar a postura de cabeça. Entretanto as modificações da postura de cabeça após a cirurgia ortognática são controversas e não foram encontrados estudos que apontassem relação entre a postura de cabeça e o modo respiratório em adultos com DDF. Objetivo: Identificar as principais alterações na postura de cabeça em adultos jovens com DDF, verificar se a cirurgia ortognática altera o modo respiratório e a postura de cabeça e se o modo respiratório está associado com a postura de cabeça. Métodos: Foram avaliados 25 jovens adultos, os quais foram divididos no grupo deformidade dentofacial (DDF; n = 15; x̅ = 28 anos) e grupo controle com harmonia dentofacial (GC; n = 10; equilibrados por gênero e idade com o grupo de estudo). O modo respiratório foi analisado de acordo com o protocolo de avaliação miofuncional orofacial e a postura de cabeça foi avaliada por meio da biofotogrametria. Para o grupo DDF, as avaliações foram realizadas antes e após a cirurgia ortognática (pré e pós-DDF). Resultados: Para o grupo DDF, o modo respiratório se modificou após a cirurgia ortognática (p = 0,003), porém com diferença em relação ao GC (p = 0,027). Não houve modificação na postura de cabeça após a cirurgia ortognática, porém observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos pós-DDF e GC para a inclinação de cabeça (p = 0,017). Não observou-se relação entre o modo respiratório e a postura de cabeça (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Após a cirurgia ortognática, notou-se melhora espontânea da respiração na amostra estudada. Não foi possível verificar modificações na postura de cabeça e associação entre modo respiratório e postura de cabeça.

Relação do processamento sensorial e sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais / Relation of sensory processing and stomatognical system of oral respiratory children

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a relação entre o processamento sensorial e as alterações das funções do Sistema Estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais, caracterizando o processamento sensorial destas e comparando-o com o de respiradoras nasais. Método Foram selecionadas 50 crianças (5 a 12 anos) que apresentaram diagnóstico de respiração oral e 50 sem sinais e sintomas de respiração oral ou rinite alérgica para fazer parte do grupo controle, pareadas por idade e sexo. As crianças respiradoras orais e nasais passaram por avaliação do processamento sensorial, através da Sensory Processing Measure - Home form, e as respiradoras orais por avaliação da motricidade orofacial através da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escore. Os resultados foram apresentados em forma de tabela e com suas respectivas frequências absoluta e relativa. Resultados A maioria das crianças avaliadas foi do sexo masculino, estando com idade média de 8 anos. A maioria dos respiradores orais apresentou alteração no processamento de todos os sentidos, com relação estatisticamente significativa quando comparados com os respiradores nasais. Houve relação, nos respiradores orais, entre o processamento sensorial proprioceptivo e o movimento das bochechas, processamento sensorial visual e movimentação da cabeça durante a deglutição e entre o tipo de mastigação e o processamento sensorial tátil. Conclusão Após análise dos dados foi possível perceber que o processamento sensorial de todos os sistemas se apresenta com alteração nos respiradores orais e que esse mau processamento se relaciona a mobilidade orofacial, bem como com funções do Sistema Estomatognático, além do tipo de mastigação dessa população.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the relationship between sensory processing and changes in the functions of the stomatognathic system in mouth breathing children, characterizing their sensory processing and comparing it with that of nasal breathing children. Methods 50 children (5 to 12 years) who were diagnosed with mouth breathing and 50 without signs and symptoms of mouth breathing or allergic rhinitis were selected to be part of the control group, matched for age and sex. Oral and nasal breathing children underwent sensory processing evaluation, through the Sensory Processing Measure - home form, and mouth breathers, through the evaluation of orofacial motricity through the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with score. The results were presented in table form and with their respective absolute and relative frequencies. Results Most of the children evaluated were male, with an average age of eight years. Most mouth breathers presented alteration in the processing of all senses, with a statistically significant relationship when compared to nasal breathers. There was a relationship, in mouth breathers, between proprioceptive sensory processing and the movement of the cheeks, visual sensory processing and head movement during swallowing, and between the type of chewing and tactile sensory processing. Conclusion After analyzing the data, it was possible to see that the sensory processing of all systems presents with changes in mouth breathers and that this poor processing is related to orofacial mobility, as well as functions of the stomatognathic system, in addition to the type of chewing of this population.

Alterations of oral functions and dental malocclusions in adolescents: a cross-sectional population-based study / Alterações das funções orais e má oclusão em adolescentes: um estudo transversal de base populacional

Abstract This article aims to assess whether alterations of oral functions (AOF) are associated with malocclusion (MO)'s type and severity. Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 332 adolescents aged 12 years in São Luís-MA, Northeastern Brazil. MO criteria included Angle's classification, Dental Aesthetic Index, and other morphological problems. The AOF were evaluated by breathing, phonation, chewing, and swallowing. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic and multinomial regression analyses (α=5%). Mouth breathing was associated with defined (OR=3.84; 95%CI=1.45-10.12), disabling (OR=4.34; 95%CI=1.99-9.49), and class III (OR=4.15; 95%CI=1.19-14.54) MO. Phonation problems were associated with defined (OR=2.01; 95%CI=1.02-4.39), disabling (OR=3.04; 95%CI=1.55-5.96), and Class II (OR=2.02; 95%CI=1.28-3.18) MO. Chewing disorders were associated with posterior crossbite (PCB) (OR=2.32; 95%CI=1.12-4.82). Swallowing disorders were associated with Class III MO (OR=5.66; 95%CI=1.35-23.71), PCB (OR=6.13; 95%CI=2.76-13.62), and posterior open bite (OR=4.53; 95%CI=1.72-8.92). Breathing and phonation alterations are associated with MO in anterior arch segments, while chewing and swallowing disorders, in the posterior segments.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar se alterações das funções orais (AFO) estão associadas ao tipo e gravidade da maloclusão (MO). Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de 332 adolescentes de 12 anos em São Luís-MA, Nordeste do Brasil. Critérios de MO incluíram Classificação de Angle, Índice de Estética Dental e outros problemas morfológicos. As AFO foram avaliadas por respiração, fonação, mastigação e deglutição. Odds ratios (OR) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) foram calculados em análises de regressão logística e multinomial (α=5%). Respiração oral foi associada com MO definida (OR=3,84; IC95%=1,45-10,12), incapacitante (OR=4,34; IC95%=1,99-9,49) e classe III (OR=4,15; IC95%=1,19-14,54). Problemas de fonação foram associados às MO definidas (OR=2,01; IC95%=1,02-4,39), incapacitantes (OR=3,04; IC95%=1,55-5,96) e Classe II (OR=2,02; IC95%=1,28-3,18). Alterações na mastigação foram associadas à mordida cruzada posterior (MCP) (OR=2,32; IC95%=1,12-4,82). Deglutição atípica foi associada à MO Classe III (OR=5,66; IC95%=1,35-23,71), MCP (OR=6,13; IC95%=2,76-13,62) e mordida aberta posterior (OR=4,53; IC95%=1,72-8,92). Alterações de respiração e fonação estão associadas às MO nos segmentos anteriores do arco, enquanto as de mastigação e deglutição, nos segmentos posteriores.

Evaluación interdisciplinaria estomatognática y postural en un paciente pediátrico respirador oral: Reporte de caso / Interdisciplinary stomatognathic and postural assessment in a pediatric mouth-breathing patient: A case report

Introducción: La respiración oral se asocia con trastornos de los órganos del habla, que generalmente se combina con deformidades faciales y problemas de oclusión dental. Objetivo: Evaluar interdisciplinariamente la fisiología del sistema estomatognático y postural en un paciente respirador oral de 11 años. Presentación del caso: Paciente de sexo masculino, se le realizó examen orofacial mediante mioescanografía, dinamometría y electromiografía, técnica de Payne y prueba Rosenthal. Se evaluó alineación postural, estabilidad con índice de Romberg y presiones plantares con baropodometría. Resultados: El paciente presentó mal oclusión clase I, hipoplasia maxilar hiperdivergente y micrognatismo, en actividad muscular, índice de asimetría 34% en maseteros durante la masticación, en temporales durante la protrusión la simetría fue de 67% y de 62%, alteración de la estabilidad estática con Índice de Romberg de 1,22 y distribución de presión plantar en pie izquierdo 42,2% y derecho 57,8%. Conclusiones: El sujeto presentó disminución en actividad de fuerza muscular orofacial, alteraciones en la alineación de cabeza, hombros, región pélvica, alteración de la estabilidad estática y presiones plantares con mayor distribución en retropié bilateral y miembro inferior derecho.

Introduction: Oral respiration is associated with speech organs disorders, which are generally combined with facial deformities and dental occlusion problems. Objective: To conduct an interdisciplinary assessment of the physiology of the stomatognathic and postural system in a 11-year old mouth-breathing patient. Case presentation: The male subject underwent orofacial examination using myoscanography, dynamometry, electromyography, Payne technique, and Rosenthal test. Postural alignment, stability (Romberg index) and plantar pressures (baropodometry) were evaluated. Results: The subject displayed: class I malocclusion; hyperdivergent maxillary hypoplasia, and micrognathism in muscular activity; a 34% asymmetry index in masseters during mastication; the symmetry in temporals was 67% and 62% during protrusion; alteration of the static stability with a Romberg index of 1.22; and 42.2% and 57.8% plantar pressure distributions in the left and right feet, respectively. Conclusions: The subject showed a reduction in orofacial muscle strength activity, alterations in the alignment of the head, shoulders and pelvic region, an alteration of the static stability, and plantar pressures with a greater distribution on the bilateral hindfoot and right lower limb.

Prevalence of an incompetent lip seal during growth periods throughout Japan: a large-scale, survey-based, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND@#Systemic and local factors may lead to disruption of craniofacial growth and development, causing an imbalance between the orofacial skeleton, muscle and soft tissue, dental occlusion, and the dental arch during growth periods. We aimed to reveal whether the prevalence of incompetent lip seal (ILS) varies with age and region, as well as to clarify the factors related to an ILS, in a national, large-scale epidemiological study.@*METHODS@#We surveyed 3399 children, from 3 to 12 years of age, visiting 66 pediatric dental clinics throughout Japan. For this survey, we employed a questionnaire consisting of 44 questions regarding daily health conditions and lifestyle habits. We evaluated the differences in ILS prevalence by age and region (using a Cochran-Armitage test for trend and a Kruskal-Wallis test), and the relationship between ILS and factors investigated in the questionnaire (using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient).@*RESULTS@#We observed that 30.7% of Japanese children exhibited an ILS and that the ILS rate increased with age (p < 0.001). There were no regional differences in the rate of ILS in Japanese children (p = 0.506). We revealed that 12 of 44 survey items exhibited a statistically significant correlation with ILS (p < 0.001), using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. These items involved orofacial morphology, mouth breathing, and possibly, allergic rhinitis.@*CONCLUSION@#The rate of ILS seems to increase with age in children, throughout Japan. Therefore, this disorder may not self-correct during the growth periods in these children. Guidelines are required for pediatric dentists to recognize ILS among children aged 3-12 years.

Influence of mentalis muscle relaxation on oronasal breathing / A repercussão do relaxamento do músculo mentual na respiração oronasal

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the existence of changes in the electromyographic patterns of the mentalis and inferior orbicularis oris muscles in oronasal breathers, submitted to massage therapy on the mentalis muscle. Methods: a controlled blind placebo experiment, with a sample of 19 oronasal breathers (1 man and 18 women), mean age (standard deviation) 22.3 (2.63) years, randomly divided into control and experimental groups, respectively with 7 and 12 volunteers. The experimental group alone underwent myotherapy with massages for 3 months, while electromyographic data were collected from both groups at the beginning and end of the treatment, both at rest and when swallowing water. The analysis of variance was conducted to test the existence of differences between the means; the 5% significance level was used. Results: the analysis of variance revealed signs of interaction between the group and phase effects when analyzing the root mean square values of both the inferior orbicularis oris and the mentalis muscles. As expected, no signs of significant differences were found between the means of the phases in the control group. On the other hand, signs of significant difference were found in the experimental group, with reduced root mean square values in both muscles. The inferior orbicularis oris muscle, which in the pre-phase had a mean (standard deviation) of 202.10 (161.47) µV, had, in the post-phase, values of 131.49 (159.18) µV. The mentalis muscle, in its turn, had in the pre- and post-phase, respectively, a mean (standard deviation) of 199.31 (279.77) µV and 114.58 (253.56) µV. Conclusion: given that no effect was detected in the control group, the decrease in the root mean square values of the mentalis and inferior orbicularis oris muscles in oronasal breathers was attributed to the massage therapy on the mentalis muscle.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a existência de modificações dos padrões eletromiográficos dos músculos mentual e orbicular inferior da boca em respiradores oronasais submetidas à massoterapia no músculo mentual. Métodos: experimento cego placebo controlado, com amostra de 19 respiradores oronasais, 1 homem e 18 mulheres, com média de idade (desvio-padrão) de 22,3 (2,63) anos, aleatoriamente dividida nos grupos controle e experimental, respectivamente com 7 e 12 voluntários. Apenas no grupo experimental foi aplicada mioterapia por meio de massagens, por três meses e em ambos os grupos foram coletados dados eletromiográficos no início e no final do tempo de tratamento nas condições de repouso e deglutição de água. A análise de variância foi aplicada para testar a existência de diferenças entre as médias e foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: a análise de variância revelou indícios de interação entre os efeitos de grupo e fase quando analisados os valores de Root Mean Square (RMS), tanto do músculo orbicular inferior como do músculo mentual. Como esperado, não foram encontrados indícios de diferenças significantes entre as médias das fases no grupo controle, entretanto, foram encontrados indícios de diferença significante no grupo experimental havendo redução das médias de RMS em ambos os músculos. O orbicular inferior, que na fase pré apresentava média (desvio padrão) de 202,10 (161,47) µV, apresentou valores de 131,49 (159,18) µV na fase pós, enquanto que o músculo mentual apresentou, respectivamente, nas fases pré e pós, média (desvio padrão) de 199,31 (279,77) µV e 114,58 (253,56) µV. Conclusão: tendo em vista a não detecção de efeito no grupo controle, atribui-se à massoterapia no músculo mentual a redução das médias de Root Mean Square dos músculos mentual e orbicular inferior da boca em respiradores oronasais.

Comparison between rhinometric variables and nasal airing in children with mouth breathing

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the correlation between the values of nasal aeration and geometry of the nasal cavities, before and after nasal cleansing in children with mouth breathing. Methods: 20 children aged 4 to 12 years old were chosen. The questionnaire Identification Index of Signs and Symptoms of Oral breathing was applied and nasal patency was assessed by nasal aeration, through the Altmann graded mirror, and the nasal geometry measured by acoustic rhinometry. After nasal cleansing and massage, the same aeration measurements and nasal geometry procedures were performed. Group normality was analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test considering the hypothesis of normal distribution whenever p>0.05. The Spearman's test was applied to analyze the correlation between variables (p<0.05). Results: there was a strong and significant correlation between nasal aeration and the corresponding cross-sectional area of the front of the inferior turbinate (CSA2) in the left cavity before cleansing. There were no correlations between the nasal aeration and other rhinometric variables. Conclusion: there was a correlation between nasal aeration values and the anterior portion of the turbinates, before the massage and nasal cleansing technique, in mouth breathing children. There were no significant differences when the nasal aeration was correlated with other rhinometric variables.

Factores de riesgo de la malocusión / Risk factors for malocclusion

RESUMEN Introducción: la maloclusión es una alteración de gran prevalencia a nivel mundial que afecta principalmente a la población infantil. Esta afección es considerada un problema de salud multifactorial en la cual intervienen factores genéticos y ambientales. Objetivo: identificar los factores de riesgo que se asocian con la maloclusión en la población ecuatoriana, específicamente en el cantón Cuenca. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en 53 niños de 5 a 12 años de edad; se aplicó una encuesta dirigida a los representantes y una ficha clínica realizada mediante la observación clínica en los niños. Estos documentos fueron elaborados en base a la revisión bibliográfica de los factores de riesgo de la maloclusión. Posteriormente, se realizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo mediante tablas de frecuencia y se aplicó estadística inferencial a través de las pruebas de Ji cuadrado y Odds ratio (OR), para determinar la asociación de los diferentes factores de riesgo con la maloclusión. Resultados: el 71,69 % de la muestra presentó maloclusión. Los principales factores de riesgo asociados a la maloclusión fueron: hábitos bucales (p= 0), deglución atípica (p = 0,008) y presencia de amígdalas hipertróficas (p = 0,002). La presencia de hábitos bucales aumentó 34 veces la posibilidad de desarrollar maloclusión (OR 34), seguido por la presencia de: narinas alteradas (OR 21,46), deglución atípica (OR 14,52) y respiración bucal (OR 12,6). Conclusiones: Los hábitos orales, la respiración bucal y la deglución atípica, son factores de riesgo asociados en el establecimiento de la maloclusión; su presencia aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar maloclusión.

ABSTRACT Introduction: malocclusion is a highly prevalent disorder worldwide that mainly affects child population. This condition is considered a multifactorial health problem in which genetic and environmental factors intervene. Objective: to identify risk factors associated with malocclusion in the Ecuadorian population specifically in Cuenca canton. Method: a cross-sectional study was carried out in 53 children aged 5 to 12 years, in which a survey was applied to the representatives and a clinical record was carried out through clinical observation in children. These documents were prepared based on the bibliographic review of risk factors for malocclusion. Subsequently, a descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using frequency tables, as well as inferential statistics was applied using the odds ratio (OR) and chi-square tests in order to determine the association of the different risk factors with malocclusion. Results: 71.69% of the sample had malocclusion. Oral habits (p = 0), atypical swallowing (p = 0.008) and presence of hypertrophic tonsils (p = 0.002) were the main risk factors associated with malocclusion. In addition, the presence of oral habits increases 34 times the possibility of developing malocclusion (OR 34), followed by the presence of altered nostrils (OR 21.46), atypical swallowing (OR 14.52) and mouth breathing (OR 12.6). Conclusions: the presence of oral habits, mouth breathing and atypical swallowing are risk factors associated with the establishment of malocclusion; their presence increases the risk of developing malocclusion.