The prevalence of malocclusion is higher in schoolchildren with signs of hyperactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by a lack of focus, impulsive behavior, and or excessive activity. This research aimed to evaluate the association between signs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and malocclusion in schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 633 children aged 7-12 years. The children were clinically examined for malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index. The predominant breathing pattern was also determined. Parents answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics and the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Scale-IV was filled out by both parents and teachers to compare behavioral patterns. The children were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of malocclusion was 42% higher among children with signs of hyperactivity reported by both parents and teachers (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.81; P = 0.004). In the final Poisson regression model, the prevalence of malocclusion was lower among schoolchildren aged 11 and 12 years (PR, 0.62; 95% CI. 0.52-0.73; P <0.001) and higher among those who used a pacifier for at least 4 years (PR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.54; P = 0.029) as well as those classified as mouth breathers (PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with signs of hyperactivity independently of age, pacifier use, and mouth breathing.

Factors associated with number of erupted primary teeth in Brazilian children: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether nutritional status, gender, weight, and height affected the number of erupted primary teeth in six- to 30 month-old children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving an oral clinical examination, and weight and height measurements of 232 children, as well as a questionnaire filled out by their parents. Statistical analysis involved descriptive data, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Kruskall-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression in two sets, using the enter method to control the confounding factor (age) and the stepwise method for gender, weight, and height ( P<.05). The calculation of effect size proposed by Cohen was used to test the clinical significance of the findings. RESULTS: The number of erupted teeth was not significantly influenced by nutritional status ( P<.58; Kruskal-Wallis test) or gender ( P=.95; Mann-Whitney test). Body weight had a statistically significant association with the number of erupted primary teeth ( P<.001), and height showed a positive correlation with this variable, both independently of the child's age. CONCLUSION: The number of erupted primary teeth was affected by weight in children of the same age.