Occlusal Traits of Primary Dentition among Children Visiting a Dental Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

 Occlusion in deciduous dentition varies among children of different populations and races. Paucity of information in Nepalese literature provided the motive for this study. The objective of this study was to examine the occlusal traits of Primary Dentition among children aged 2-6 year old. A cross-sectional study comprising total of 307 children all having deciduous teeth were included in the study. The dentition was examined using a mouth mirror and explorer under illuminated light in Department of Pedodontics and the data was recorded. All the children were screened for molar and canine relationship, overjet, overbite, spaced and non-spaced dentition. Out of the total, Mesial step terminal plane (62%-left; 58%-right), Flush terminal (33%-left; 36% -right) and Distal step (5%-left; 6%-right) were seen. Most of the children had class I canine relation (83%-left; 84%-right), ideal overjet (68.4%), overbite (63.1%) and spaced dentition. Statistical significant difference was found among the gender with respect to overjet. Presence of spacing was more in maxilla than in mandible which was statistically significant. These findings suggested desirable occlusal characteristics and spacing in primary dentition. However, future longitudinal studies are required to examine whether the transition of these occlusal characteristics will lead to favorable outcome in permanent dentition.