Status of Malocclusion in 9-12-year-old Children: A Survey among Private and Public Schools of Islamabad

Background: Oral health is an integral part of a person’s well-being and health. Malocclusion is not a disease but rather a set of dental deviations which can influence quality of life. The objective of the study is to assess the proportion of malocclusion on school going children between 9-12 years of age in public and private schools of Islamabad.

Methodology: Cross sectional study of 340 schools’ children both from private/ public sectors were conducted. Height and weight along with visual crowding/ molar relationship were taken. Dietary intake questionnaire filled by each student were based on last one week’s food consumption.

Results: A sample of 340 children 9-12 years from private/public schools using convenience sampling technique was collected. 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 private school children compared to public school 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 treated advantages.

Author(s): Sadia Ausim, Saima Hamid

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