Prevalence of Malocclusion and its Relationship with Dental Caries among 12-15 Years Old School Children of Chandigarh

Background: Malocclusion has a negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life and has all been associated with an unacceptable dental appearance. Dental caries is a common complication of malocclusion. Epidemiological data on malocclusion and dental caries is of interest for dental public health programs, clinical treatment, screening for treatment priority and resource planning. Therefore the objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and its relationship with dental caries among 12 to 15 year Old School Children of Chandigarh, India.

Method: The present study was conducted among 1368 school going children of Chandigarh in the age group of 12 to 15 years. The subjects were selected from four randomly selected schools of Chandigarh. Dentition status was assessed using the DMFT index by Klein, Palmer, Knutson, and Malocclusion were quantified based on the presence or absence of dentofacial anomalies which was recorded in a structured format.

Results: Prevalence of malocclusion and dental caries in the present study was found to be 28.9% and 31.4%. A significant negative correlation was observed between Malocclusion and Dental caries among subjects having Normal occlusion and Malocclusion.

Conclusion: Prevalence of malocclusion and dental caries was greater among older than younger children Results from the present study revealed that Normal occlusion and malocclusion had no or weak significant effect on overall dental caries.