Prevalence of malocclusion in 4-6 year old Brazilian children.

The prevalence of malocclusion and the relationship with oral habits in Brazilian children from two public primary schools was evaluated. The sample was composed of 112 children with mean age of 61 +/- 6.67 months. The results demonstrated the presence of malocclusions in 75.8% (n = 85). The oral habits was related by 34.8% (n = 39). The open bite was the most prevalent malocclusion in the studied population and the oral habits was the decisive etiological factor.