Relationship between tooth irregularity and periodontal disease in children with regular dental visits

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate any association between irregular teeth and periodontal breakdown among children who attend dental clinics regularly. Methods: The subjects were 80 children (39 females and 41 males) with a mean age of 12.38 ± 0.75 years. Each subject had an alginate impression in the mandibular arch, periapical radiographs for the lower incisor teeth and clinical examination for periodontal health. Plaque accumulation, gingival condition and probing depth, bone level and status of lower incisor teeth contact areas were recorded. Spearman correlation test was used to observe any relationship between the clinical variables. Results: The average probing depth, gingival index and plaque index scores in the subjects studied were 1.3±0.25, 0.99±0.28 and 1.17±0.52 respectively. The average number of sites with labiolingual displacement with mesiodistal overlap was 1.81±1.30 and those without mesiodistal overlap was 1.39±1.10. The average number of contact areas with spacing was 0.59±1.23. The correlation observed between irregularity and periodontal health indicated no association between the number and type of displacement and plaque accumulation, gingivitis, attachment loss and alveolar bone level. Conclusion: There was no association between irregularity of teeth and periodontal diseases in presence of good oral hygiene.