STUDY OF THE DENTOFACIAL SYSTEM STATUS IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN OVER A NINE-YEAR EXAMINATION PERIOD

Abstract

Dentofacial anomalies remain among the most common disorders of childhood and are characterized by considerable variability in prevalence and structure depending on age, sex, stage of dentition development, and functional conditions of dentofacial growth. Most available epidemiological data are based on crosssectional comparisons of different age groups, whereas long-term follow-up of the same children makes it possible to assess more objectively the dynamics of the formation, persistence, and combination of dentofacial anomalies during growth. Aim of the study. To investigate changes in the prevalence and structure of dentofacial anomalies in the same group of children over a 9-year observation period. Materials and methods. The study involved 768 children aged 6–16 years from School No. 121 in Odesa; 46.4% were boys and 53.6% were girls. Twice a year, the children underwent dental examinations accompanied by oral cavity sanitation and professional oral hygiene. During the examinations, the frequency and structure of dentofacial anomalies and deformities, as well as dental caries, were assessed. In 2007–2008, 129 children aged 6–7 years were selected from the examined cohort, and in 2015–2016, 108 children from this group were re-examined (62 girls and 46 boys). The results were recorded in specially designed charts. Statistical processing was performed using variation analysis methods with Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and Student’s t-test; differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.01. Results. At the age of 6–7 years, 56 children had no dentofacial pathology; at 12 years, this number decreased to 28, and at 15 years, to 26, indicating a progressive reduction in the number of children without anomalies during the observation period. By the age of 12 years, the prevalence of pathology had increased by an additional 25%, and from 12 to 15 years, by a further 2%. The most common pathology in the examined children was dental crowding: it was detected in 16 children at 6–7 years, in 36 at 12 years, and in 38 at 15 years. Diastema ranked second in frequency, being found in 18 children at 6–7 years, in 32 at 12 years, and in 32 at 15 years. Anomalies of individual teeth were observed in 18 children at 6–7 years, in 22 at 12 years, and in 24 at 15 years. Among occlusal pathologies, distal occlusion was the most prevalent: 16 cases at 6–7 years, 20 at 12 years, and 24 at 15 years. Deep bite was detected in 14, 20, and 20 children, respectively. Mesial occlusion, oblique bite, and open bite were considerably less common. Pronounced gender differences were identified: at an early age, dentofacial anomalies were observed more often in girls, which the author associates with their earlier developmental tempo. It was also shown that the same child frequently had a combination of several types of disorders; in particular, distal occlusion was often combined with deep bite, whereas neutral molar relationships were frequently accompanied by diastema, dental crowding, or anomalies of individual teeth. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that the main proportion of dentofacial anomalies develops during the early mixed dentition period and persists into the permanent dentition. Over the entire nine-year follow-up period, no cases of self-regulation of dentofacial anomalies were identified. The most common pathologies were dental crowding, diastema, anomalies of individual teeth, distal occlusion, and deep bite. Regular oral cavity sanitation likely prevented the development of secondary dental arch deformities, but did not eliminate primary anomalies. The obtained data substantiate the need for early prevention and treatment of dentofacial anomalies, as well as educational work emphasizing the role of natural breastfeeding and adequate masticatory load in the harmonious development of the jaws