Malocclusion and occlusal traits among dental and nursing students of Seven North-East states of India.

BACKGROUND

Any irregularity of the teeth or a mal-relationship of the dental arches is known as malocclusion. Among all the oro-facial problems, tooth decay is considered the most prevalent one followed by periodontal disease and dental malocclusion. Dental malocclusion is not a life-threatening condition. However, it is closely related to an individual's self-esteem and psychosocial wellbeing. The prevalence of malocclusion varies among different ethnic groups, age-groups, and gender.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted with the objective to find out the prevalence of normal occlusal traits and to identify the proportion of different types of malocclusions among dental and nursing students of Seven North-Eastern states studying at a tertiary care Medical Institute.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: This cross-sectional study included 432 students with a mean age of 21.42 years, who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria consisted of the presence of all permanent teeth with or without third molars. The oral cavity was examined using a sterile mouth mirror and flashlight followed by evaluation of all the occlusal relationships in centric occlusion position (COP). COP was achieved by asking the participant to swallow, and then to bite on his or her teeth together. The occlusion traits were assessed as normal occlusion or malocclusion using the first permanent molars as described by E.H. Angle and deviation from line of occlusion. Descriptive statistics like mean and proportions were calculated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of normal occlusal traits was 48.4%, and that of malocclusion was 51.6%. Class I malocclusion was most prevalent occlusal trait followed by Class II malocclusion and Class III malocclusion showed the least prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Class I malocclusion was most prevalent followed by Class II malocclusion and Class III malocclusion showed the least prevalence.