Untreated malocclusions and oral health status of an urban population in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Lack of awareness and an accompanying lack of knowledge results in a lack of utilization of dental services and a consequent increased burden of oral disease. This study assessed untreated malocclusions and the oral health status of an urban population.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was employed. Data was collected from consenting participants using an interviewer administered questionnaire after which an intraoral examination was carried out on each participant. Data was analysed using the SPSS version 20 and the level of significance set at p<0.05.

Results: There were a total of 403 participants in this study. About a tenth of the participants indulged in oral habits 41 (10.2%). Untreated malocclusions in the form of tooth displacements 35 (8.7%), rotations 32 (7.9%), crossbite 9 (2.2%) and scissors bite 1 (0.3%) were seen in the study population. Majority, 383 (95%) used a toothbrush and flouridated toothpaste to clean their teeth and 264 (65.5%) brushed once a day. Most of the participants 281 (69.7%) had good oral hygiene.

Conclusion: Several untreated malocclusions comprising tooth rotations, displacements, crossbite, scissors bite and anterior open bite were seen in our study population. Their utilization of dental services was poor but oral health practices were good which translated to good oral hygiene and low DMFT.