Prevalence of caries and dental malocclusions in the apulian paediatric population: an epidemiological study

Authors

  • N Cirulli Private Practice, Bari
  • S Cantore Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari
  • A Ballini Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari
  • L Perillo Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
  • OV Giannico Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University
  • S Tafuri Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University
  • D De Vito Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2019.20.02.03

Keywords:

Dental caries, Malocclusion, Normal occlusion, Oral hygiene status, Paediatric dental patients

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this epidemiological study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion, its association with caries experience, and level of oral hygiene in the Apulian population. MATERIALS: Study design: A total of 530 paediatric patients (267 girls, 263 boys), aged 8–10 years (±SD 1.2) were randomly selected from primary schools in Apulia (Italy). The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmtf) index, the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), recorded according to the WHO criteria, were used by two calibrated examiners to diagnose dental caries and malocclusion, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study outcomes underline the need for preventive care programmes to improve oral health conditions as well as to decrease oral pathology risk factors in the Apulia region.