PREVALENCE OF OCCLUSAL TRAITS IN PRESCHOOLER’S OF 3-5 YEARS OLD OF NAMAKKAL DISTRICT TAMIL NADU: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

*Dr. Kamatchi Mohanraj, Dr. Aishwaryaa Kandhan, Dr. Vinodh Selvaraj, Dr. Gawtaman M., Dr. Manoharan Muthusamy, Dr.  ijayakumar

ABSTRACT

Aims & Background: Understanding the occlusal relationship of the primary dentition is crucial for pediatric dentists because it allows for the early prediction of any malocclusions in the permanent dentition and the appropriate use of orthodontic treatments to correct them. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in 3 – 5 years old school children, of Namakkal district. Materials & Methods: A multistage sample strategy was used to perform a cross-sectional survey among 500 children who attended schools of Namakkal district, aged 3 – 5 years old. The study group was evaluated for the various occlusal characteristic’s that include primary molar relation, canine relation, overjet, overbite, open bite, primate spaces, physiologic spacing and crowding. Data were collected & tabulated to carry out statistical analysis. Results: Out of the total 529 children examined, mesial step molar relationship was found to be 57%, distal step in 4% & flush terminal plane in 39%. Class I canine relationship was seen in 90%, class II in 4% & class III in 2%. Physiologic spacing was found in 40% in maxilla and 38% in mandible. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the study population demonstrates a relatively low incidence of deviations from normal occlusion, implying a diminished risk for the development of malocclusion in the permanent dentition.

Keywords: Canine relationship, Molar relationship, Occlusion, Occlusal characteristics, Primary dentition.