Occlusion characteristics of primary dentition by age in a sample of Saudi preschool children

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to describe occlusion characteristics of primary dentition by age in a sample of Saudi children aged 3-5 years. By using standardized and validated recording criteria, a single operator measured [the primary molar and canine relationships, overjet, overbite, anterior open bite, and anterior and/or posterior crossbites], in 323 Kindergarten children [49.7% boys and 50.3% girls]. Descriptive and comparative [Chi-square, t-test] statistics, were used to investigate the occlusal relationship by age of the children. In terms of the molar relationship; flush terminal plane was present in 75% of the children followed by mesial step [13.9%] and distal step [11.1%]. The canine relationship was Class I in 90.1% of the sample, followed by Class III [7.4%], and Class II [2.5%] relationship. Fifty seven percent of the children had normal overbite, with significantly higher percentage in older children. Open bite tendency was greater in younger children. Fifty two percent of the children had an overjet between 0-2 mm, 30.3% ranged between 2.1-4 mm, 15.8% >4 mm, and only 1.9% had reverse overjet. Posterior crossbite was present in 8.7% of the children examined. The differences and correlations between the age and the occlusal relationships were not significant. The prevalence of malocclusion was found to be less than those reported in other populations