Abstract
Introduction
The previous open bite is one of the most frequent types of malocclusions in preschoolers, being considered one of the most difficult occlusal problems to treat, mainly due to its multifactorial etiology and its intimate relationship with deleterious oral habits.
Objective
Identify the prevalence of anterior open bite in preschoolers in Salvador-BA as well as factors potentially associated with it.
Material and method
This is a cross-sectional study of 1577 preschool children (36 to 71 months) who attended municipal public daycare centers in Salvador-BA.
Result
The children's average age was approximately 54 months. Most were male (50.29%). The study population was predominantly composed of blacks and browns (92.02%). The prevalence of malocclusion was 40.46%, of which 14.02% of these children had an open bite. Regarding schooling, most mothers (55.86%) and fathers (50.08%) were equal to or higher than complete primary school. The digital sucking was common in 6.73% of the children and 10.39% used pacifiers. As protective factors for open bite were found the father's education level ≥ 1st complete degree (PR = 0.62 CI = 0.41-0.95) and nail-biting (PR = 0.34 CI = 0.21-0.56). As risk factors were found the use of pacifiers (PR = 17.98 CI = 10.91-29.62) and digital suction (PR = 11.04 CI = 6.0-20.32).
Conclusion
Educational measures aimed at parents and guardians are essential to prevent the development of harmful habits in preschoolers. Other studies are needed for in order to deepen the understanding of the identified protection factors in this study.
Descriptors:
Open bite; preschool; epidemiology