Causal relation between malocclusion and caries

Abstract

In this second report of a follow-up study of long-term adverse oral health effects of malocclusion it is assessed whether various occlusal and space anomalies imply an increased risk of caries. In 1965-66 malocclusion was recorded in 176 adolescents who were re-examined in 1986-87 at the age of 33-39 years. DMFS scores, in the dentition as a whole and in the segments of the dental arches, were compared between subjects displaying specified traits of malocclusion at both examinations and a comparison group comprising subjects without malocclusion at both examinations. No relationship was found between the malocclusion traits and caries prevalence.

Key Words:

• Clinical follow-up
• orthodontic treatment need