Oral habits associated with dental malocclusions in pediatric patients according to expert judgment

Abstract

Introduction: oral diseases, particularly dental caries, gum disease and fibroids, are a public health problem that affects all areas of life, regardless of economy, culture or age. Objective: characterize the oral habits associated with dental malocclusions in pediatric patients according to expert judgment. Method: an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Dentsalud, Smilemakers, Clean Dent and Odontomax dental clinics, belonging to the country of Ecuador in the year 2022. For data collection, surveys were used to guarantee the reliability of the data. that were obtained, this survey includes the following variables: class of malocclusion, oral habit, age and preventive measures. The investigation was carried out through the opinion of experts. Results: the specialists affirm, 4 specialists for 57% that their pediatric patients present class II dental malocclusions, 3 specialists for 43% report that their patients present dental malocclusions due to the use of pacifiers or bottles. Conclusions: The authors conclude that, according to the criteria of specialized dentists, pediatric patients with dental malocclusion are characterized by being class II, using a pacifier or bottle more frequently between the ages of 5 and 7, and that for To prevent this entity you have to stop bad habits.