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Abstract
Background: Orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in improving both the function and appearance of teeth, especially in school-aged children who are more prone to malocclusions (misalignments of the teeth). Conditions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and crowding can affect not only the way a child looks but also their ability to chew, speak properly, and even increase their risk of gum disease. This study focuses on understanding how common orthodontic issues are among children in Chitral District, Malakand Division, and how certain oral habits contribute to these problems, particularly anterior open-bite.
Methods: This study was conducted from 11-06-2024 to 31-12-2024 with 500 children aged 6-16 years from various schools in Chitral District. The children were selected through random sampling, and each child underwent a clinical examination by trained orthodontists to identify common malocclusions and oral habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing. Parents filled out questionnaires to provide information on their socio-demographic background, including their education level and family history of dental problems.
Results: The study found that 50% of children had Class I malocclusion, 30% had Class II, and 15% had Class III. The most common oral habits were thumb-sucking (30%), tongue thrusting (24%), and mouth breathing (18%). Males were more likely to have Class II malocclusion, while females showed higher rates of thumb-sucking. A strong link was found between these oral habits and the severity of anterior open-bite.
Conclusions: The study highlights the need for early orthodontic care to address malocclusions. It also shows how oral habits like thumb-sucking and mouth breathing can lead to dental misalignments. These findings underscore the importance of public health programs to raise awareness, especially in areas where parents may have lower education levels. Early diagnosis and preventive orthodontic treatment can help reduce the occurrence of severe dental issues and improve children’s overall dental health.