Frequency of malocclusion and condition of dental health among eight-year-old children in the municipality of Foča

Summary Introduction Caries and orthodontic anomalies in school-age children lead to disturbed aesthetics, oral functions (chewing, swallowing, and speech), predisposition to trauma and the onset of periodontal diseases. The aim was to assess dental health and frequency of orthodontic anomalies in children aged 8-9 years in the municipality of Foča. Methods The research was conducted in the primary school Sveti Sava in Foča, where the total of 112 children age 8-9 years were examined. An informed consent was obtained from parents and school director for each student. Dental examination was performed using standard dental method, a mirror and a probe under artificial lighting. Children received instructions on proper nutrition, oral hygiene, tooth protection and elimination of bad habits. Results Among 112 examined boys and girls of selected ages, very high person caries index (PCI) was found (78.57%). A total of 548 caries affected teeth were found (boys 331 (24.62%), girls 217 (16.14%) (p <0.05)). Fifty-nine children had caries lesions on permanent teeth (boys 39 (2.9%), girls 20 (1.5%) (p <0.05)). Sagital abnormalities of the bite were present in 39 (34.82%) children, while 38 (33.92%) anomalies were related to vertical bite irregularities, 10 (8.92%) of them had open bite and 28 subjects (25%) had deep bite (p> 0.05). Conclusion Large number of teeth was affected with caries lesions (548) in eighth-year-olds, while orthodontic anomalies, mostly sagital abnormalities of bite were found in 39 subjects.