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

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 and methods 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. Results Except for the presence of dental calculus, Class II malocclusion, open bite and dental crowding, (p>0.05), all variables in the negative binomial regression showed a significant relationship with the incidence rate of caries in deciduous teeth. Statistics: Children were clinically examined in a community dental office. Statistical analysis was carried out using R version 3.5.1. Conclusions 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.