| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance and aim of the work. Orthodontic anomalies are characterized by broad spectrum and multi-causal origin. Aim of the work was to assess prevalence of malocclusion among children in Lithuania according to dentition type, age, sociodemographic and biological factors and adolescents’ self-assessed well-being, dental condition and appearance. Material and methods. In this cross-sectional study, oral health of children aged 3, 5, 12 and 15 years from 15 areas of Lithuania was evaluated. Following information was collected: sociodemographic factors, age, occlusal characteristics, caries experience, feeding habits, general health status, answers to self-assessment questions. Two groups were formed: younger children (3- and 5-year-olds) and adolescents (12- and 15-year-olds). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Chi – Square, Fisher's exact test, binary logistic regression. Results. Prevalence of malocclusion was higher among 12- and 15-year-olds (61.7%) than 3- and 5-year-olds (14.5%). Crossbite and crowding were most common orthodontic anomalies among younger children and adolescents, respectively. Each dmft index score increased odds of malocclusion among younger children by 8%. Higher prevalence of malocclusion and crowding among adolescents was associated with living in rural areas and parents’ secondary or lower education, while higher prevalence of crossbite was related to secondary or lower maternal education and higher caries experience. Adolescents of other nationalities more frequently had Class III malocclusion, while Lithuanian adolescents – Class II malocclusion. Orthodontic anomalies, especially crossbite and crowding, were more common among adolescents who rated their dental condition and appearance worse and avoided smiling or laughing, while open bite was associated with bullying. Conclusions. Orthodontic anomalies, except for edge-to-edge bite, are less common in deciduous than in permanent dentition without a significant difference between genders. Higher prevalence of orthodontic anomalies of permanent dentition is associated with lower parental education and living in rural areas. Prevalence of sagittal anomalies depends on adolescents’ nationality, while higher caries experience increases occurrence of crossbite among adolescents and malocclusion in primary dentition. Adolescents who are bullied are more likely to have an open bite. Keywords. Malocclusion; Children; Aetiology; Quality of life. |
