Occlusal characteristics of children with hypertrophied adenoids in Nigeria.

Background: Nasorespiratory function and its relation to craniofacial growth are of great interest because of the basic biological relationship between form and function, and the accumulating findings of the relationship between mode of breathing, craniofacial growth and orthodontic treatment.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adenoid hypertrophy and sociodemographic variables on the occlusion of children.
Methodology: A total of 180 subjects aged 3-12 years were selected at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Ninety subjects had hypertrophied adenoids while 90 normal children served as the control group. Orthodontic examinations were carried out and impressions for study models taken. Occlusion was assessed in the anterior-posterior, transverse and vertical planes.
Results: Class I relationship was the most prevalent occlusion in both adenoid and control subjects (55.6% and 72.2%, respectively). The occurrence of class II division 1 was significantly higher among adenoid than control subjects (P=0.003). Posterior crossbites occurred significantly more in adenoid subjects in the 9-12 years category. In the vertical plane, the occurrence of deep bite was significantly greater in male than female adenoid subjects. Age had a statistically significant but weak correlation with anterior open bite (r=0.37). Age and BMI also had significant though weak correlations with posterior crossbite in female adenoid subjects (r=0.39 and r=0.36, respectively). Regression analysis also showed that age had a significant effect on the occurrence of anterior open bite, while BMI had a significant effect on the occurrence of class II occlusion in adenoid subjects (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The presence of hypertrophied adenoids affects the occlusion in the three planes. Age and BMI have significant effects on the occurrence of anterior open bite and class II division 1 malocclusion respectively in adenoid subjects.
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