The prevalence of malocclusion and its gender distribution among Indian school children: An epidemiological survey

Abstract

Context: Since antiquity malocclusion is a problem. People have different perception about the problem which varies according to their geographical location and cultural background. The problem of malocclusion is more severe in developing countries like India. It can compromise the oral health tissues and can lead to social and the psychological problems. Aims: To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and its gender distribution among the Indian school children. Settings and Design: School settings and Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in all the 30 districts of Karnataka, India. School children in the age group of 10-16 years were the target population. Population proportionate technique was employed for the sample size estimation. A total sample of 9505 was randomly selected from 102 schools all over Karnataka, India. Ackermann-Proffit classification of malocclusion was used to record the malocclusion. Statistical analysis used: Simple Descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusion: Prevalence of crowding is 50.4% in boys and 51.4% in girls. Cross-bite was reported in 17.8% and 18.3% in boys and girls, respectively. Angles class I malocclusion was reported in 78.4% of boys and 80.2% of girls. Angles class II malocclusion was reported in 21.5% of boys and 19.8% of girls and class III malocclusion was observed in 0.1% of boys.

Keywords

• ackermann - profit system
• boys
• girls
• indian school children
• malocclusion
• prevalence