| Sadia Ausim (sadia_younus@hotmail.com) |
| Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan |
| June, 2015 |
Abstract |
Background: Oral health is an integral part of a person’s well-being and health. Malocclusion is not a disease, but a set of dental deviations, which can influence the quality of life. The objective of the study was to assess the proportion of malocclusion in the school going children between 9-12 years of age in the public and private schools of Islamabad, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 340 children both from private and public schools was conducted. Height and weight along with visual crowding/molar relationship were taken. Dietary intake questionnaire filled by each student was based on last one week’s food consumption. Results: Status of crowding revealed 51.8% children with no crowding, 24.7% exhibited mild crowding, 14.4% with moderate and 9.1% with severe malocclusion. Class 1 molar relationship was observed in 72.9% children, Class 2 among 14.2%, and Class 3 in 12.9% children. Conclusion: The proportion of malocclusion was higher in children from the private schools compared to the public schools of same age group. The association between consumption of hard and healthy diet with correct status of eruption of teeth was statistically significant. Treating crowding early uplifts self-esteem, and recognizing the need for it signifies its related disadvantages and early treatment advantages. |
