Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: October-December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 153-159
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20221021
Prevalence of Malocclusion and Its Perception among 13-15 Year Old Children of Poonch
Dr. Sabiyata Khajuria1, Dr. Anubhav Khajuria2, Dr. Monika Koul3
1MDS Public Health Dentistry, AECS Maaruti College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru,
2Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir,
3MDS Department of Orthodontics, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, Himachal Pradesh
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sabiyata Khajuria
ABSTRACT
Background: Malocclusion and altered dento-facial aesthetics often do not compromise oral function but can influence a person’s body image formation, emotional development, self-esteem, and social integration worldwide. Increased concern over dental appearance has been observed during childhood and adolescence to early adulthood. Perception of dental and facial appearance can vary from person to person and different people can have different expectations from treatment outcomes. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of malocclusion and to understand its impact on aesthetic self-perception.
Materials and Method: Study was carried out on 500 school-going children of Poonch city aged 13-15 years A specially designed proforma was used to collect information on participant’s demographic details, oral health conditions and perceived aesthetic impact of malocclusion was collected using Dental aesthetic index and Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis has been carried out proportions were compared using Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was done to estimate the relationship between OASIS and DAI.
Results: Regarding severity of malocclusion and treatment need, it was found that 65.2% had no/minor malocclusion while 18.4% had definite malocclusion requiring elective treatment. However, severe and very severe malocclusion needing definite treatment was observed in 9% and 7.6% of study population. Better aesthetic impact of malocclusion was observed in 92.2% males and 88.6% females. While only 7.8% males and 11.4% females perceived their aesthetics as poor. Individuals with malocclusion (definite, severe, and handicapped) were 2, 11, 10 times more likely to perceive poorer oral aesthetics as compared to those who were having normal or little malocclusion.
Conclusions: A statistically significant association between malocclusion and oral aesthetic self perception was observed and it was found that children do not always respond perceptually in the way that an epidemiological index might suggest they should. In populations whose general perceived need and use of dental services and orthodontic treatment exposure are low, it is necessary to investigate the perceptual awareness of malocclusion before an orthodontic care system is developed.
Keywords: Malocclusion, Dental aesthetic index, OASIS, Self-perception, school-going children.