The development and significance of septal and dental deformity from birth to eight years.

The septa of a series of 145 babies at birth was assessed into 3 types: type A--in the midline, type B--unilateral bending or kinking at the vomerine junction, type C--deformed to both sides. These were reassessed aged 5-6 years with the primary dentition present, and 90 cases reassessed aged about 8 years. In some there was a change to types B and C, but none changed to type A. Of 15 cases of external deformity of the nose at birth, 10 (66%) had irregularity of the columella. The children had dental examination and plaster casts made, an ear, nose and throat examination, and were photographed. The chances (which were statistically significant) of developing dental abnormalities and malocclusion, palatal asymmetry, upper respiratory tract infections and ear disease were found to be mostly in type B cases, less in type C cases and least in type A cases. Thus ear troubles were found in 45% type B, 25% type C and only 10% of type A cases. The palatal height was not related to any septal deformity.