[Long-term stability and relapse of deep bite correction: a systematic review]. / Stabilité et récidive à long terme des traitements de la supraclusion : une revue systématique.

INTRODUCTION:  Deep overbite is one of the most common malocclusions and is the most difficult to treat successfully. The real challenge remains the stability of long-term deep overbite correction. A search through the scientific literature revealed only one systematic review on this subject. Given the recent publications on the stability of deep bite correction and the development of new processes designed to avoid relapse of these treatments, this one existing systematic review needs to be updated. The purpose of the present systematic review is to evaluate the long-term stability of deep overbite correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Electronic databases were searched and nonelectronic journals were manually explored for papers on long-term stability and relapse of deep overbite correction. Articles deemed appropriate for inclusion in this review were selected and analyzed. Their scientific quality was assessed and the data they contained were extracted and summarized. RESULTS:  The rate of deep overbite relapse was 47.27%. Patients treated with the straight wire appliance showed a 67.74% relapse rate whereas those treated with the Ricketts biological progressive segmented mechanics appliance displayed a 30.38% rate. Subjects treated towards the end of adolescence presented a 14.3% rate of deep overbite relapse whereas those treated in their early teens or in adulthood had a deep overbite relapse rate of 30% and 30.8%, respectively. Intramuscular injections of botox helped obtain 100% stability in maxillofacial surgery to correct deep bite. CONCLUSION:  Age at initiation of treatment and treatment technique are two factors impacting the long-term stability of deep overbite correction.

Comparison of dental arch measurements according to the grade and the obstructive character of adenoids.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive adenoid hypertrophy is cited as one of the causes of mouth breathing and leads to disharmony in the development of orofacial structures. The objective of this study was to compare the measurements of dental arches according to the grade and the obstructive character of adenoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 86 children. The grade and the obstructive character of adenoids were determined from Holmberg and Cohen's radiographic methods respectively. Dental arch measurements were taken on dental casts. A t-test and a Chi2 test were performed respectively to compare the quantitative and qualitative variables of dental arches according to the obstructive character. An Anova test made it possible to compare the quantitative variables according to the grade as Holmberg defined it. For variables that showed significant differences, a Post Hoc test was used. The significance level was set at P=0.05. RESULTS: Subjects with obstructive adenoids had a shorter posterior mandibular length (P=0.04) and a greater overbite (P=0.04) than those with non-obstructive adenoids. Those with grade 4 had a greater arch depth (P=0.02) and were more prone to open bite(P=0.03). CONCLUSION: A prevention program involving the otorhinolaryngologist and the orthodontist for subjects with obstructive adenoids or grade 4 is necessary to minimize their influence on dental arch relationships.

Orthopantomographic analysis of the intraosseus position of the maxillary canines.

The aim of this work was to analyse the intraosseous position of the maxillary canine in orthodontic patients. It was an exploratory pilot study prior to the next research work to develop a predictive model based on a regression analysis initially including a large number of variables. 105 subjects from 6 to 12 years from both genders were included in this study. Four variables were used. The study showed that there was no marked gender dimorphism concerning the intrabony position of the canine; the latter is quite similar on both sides, and the older the age, the smaller the angulation of the canine. The values obtained for the angulation of the canine, its depth of impaction, its position in relation to the lateral incisor and the premolars, correspond to an average impaction severity and treatment difficulties.

[Relationships between the size of the adenoids and the dental arch measurements]. / Corrélations entre les dimensions des végétations adénoïdes et les mensurations des arcades dentaires.

INTRODUCTION: Enlarged adenoids are often associated with oral breathing. The latter can impact the dental arches. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between dental arch measurements and the size of adenoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 86 children. The dimensions of the adenoids were determined from nine radiographic evaluation methods and the dental arch measurements made on the casts. The association between the grade of adenoids and the dental arch measurements was sought by Spearman correlation. That between the quantitative variables assessing adenoids and dental arch measurements was sought by Pearson correlation. The strength of these associations was analyzed using Cohen's values in 1988. The significance was set at p = 0.05. RESULTS: Palatal depth was significantly and positively correlated with adenoid grade according to the method of Holmberg and Linder-Aronson (rho = 0.55, p = 0.005) and with the adenoid measurements according to the methods of Kemaloglu, Fujioka, Johannesson, De Menezes and Maran with r respectively equal to 0.65, 0.59, 0.63, 0.47, 0.74; and p respectively equal to 0.001, 0.002, 0.001, 0.019, and < 0.001. It was also significantly but negatively correlated with the adenoids measurements according to Hibbert's method (r = -0.52, p = 0.008). Overbite was significantly and negatively correlated with adenoid dimension using the De Menezes method (r = -0.541, p = 0.006). DISCUSSION: The strength of the associations shows that using respectively Maran and De Menezes methods can allow to better highlight the association between the dimensions of the adenoids and the palatal depth and the overbite.

Relationships between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the type of ventilation and lip posture.

INTRODUCTION: The role of obstructive tonsils in ventilatory disorders and abnormal lip posture is widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. The data reported on the probable relationship between obstructive tonsils and an existing breathing disorder or lip incompetence were subjective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the type of ventilation and lip posture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed in children aged from 6 to 12 years old. The subjects were divided into two groups (A and B) according to the obstructive or non-obstructive character of the palatal tonsils. Type of ventilation and lip posture at rest were recorded for each child. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS 20.0 software (for Windows). A Student's t-test and a Chi2 test were respectively used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables according to the obstructive character of the tonsils for each group. The level of significance is fixed at P=0.05. RESULTS: The subjects in group B with obstructive palatal tonsils were significantly more likely to oral breathing and lip incompetence than the subjects with non-obstructive tonsils (group A). CONCLUSION: The clinical examination of children with ventilatory and postural disorders with lip incompetence must be directed towards the search for associated obstructive palatal tonsils in order to plan an early etiological treatment. This would allow to avoid subsequent problems in the dentofacial structures.

[Correlation between sagittal photogrammetric measurements of the soft tissue profile and dental arches measurements]. / Corrélations entre les mensurations photogrammétriques sagittales de profil des tissus mous et celles des arcades dentaires.

INTRODUCTION: Sagittal soft-tissue analyses made from photographic records (sagittal photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissues) allow orthodontists to quantify the sagittal dimension and situation of the facial soft tissues. These tissues maintain close anatomical relationships with the underlying dental arches. However, little importance has been given to the description and the comparison of the sagittal soft tissue morphology according to dental arches parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the sagittal photogrammetric soft tissue profile and the dental arches measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a group of students. Standardized facial-profile photographs were taken with each student in natural head position, and relaxed lip posture. Photogrammetric parameters were measured on paper sheet using a graduated ruler. Dental arches measurements were also performed directly into the mouth with an electronic caliper. The strength of the association between sagittal photogrammetric soft tissue measurements and dental arches parameters was investigated by a Pearson's correlation. Results were regarded as significant at p=0.05. RESULTS: The lips protrusion parameters were significantly and positively correlated with the dental arch lengths. The overjet was significantly and positively correlated with Ls/Sn-Sm. The overbite was significantly and negatively correlated with the sagittal labial parameters Ls/N-Ort, Li/N-Ort, Ls-E, Li E, Ls-S, Li S, Ls/Sn-Sm and Li/Sn-Sm. CONCLUSION: The correlations found in this study show the importance of taking into account the soft tissue in the diagnosis and orthodontic treatment of patients.

[Comparison of the dental measurements according to the obstructive character of the tonsils]. / Comparaison des mensurations d'arcades selon le caractère obstructif des amygdales palatines.

INTRODUCTION: The role of obstructive tonsils in dental arches abnormalities is widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. Data on the probable relationship between obstructive tonsils and the presence of these orthodontic abnormalities are subjective. The objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between the obstructive character of the tonsils and the dental arches measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in children aged between 6 to 12 years divided into 2 groups (A and B) according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. Dental intra- and inter-arches measurements are recorded on each child. Data is analyzed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. A t Student and chi square tests are respectively used to compare quantitative and qualitative variables according to the obstructive character of the tonsils. The level of significance is fixed at p = 0.05. RESULTS: The upper dental arch depth is significantly more important in subjects with obstructive tonsils (group B). Dental arches widths are significantly more important in subjects without obstructive tonsils (group A). Group B subjects are significantly more likely to have class II malocclusions, open bite and posterior cross bite with mandibular lateral deviation than group A subjects. CONCLUSION: Early evaluation of children with obstructive tonsils can prevent dental intra- and inter-arches abnormalities caused by upper airway obstruction. Thus late and more aggressive treatments which are not always as efficient as when they were performed during childhood will be avoided.

Influence of tonsil size on sagittal cephalometric measurements.

INTRODUCTION: The role of tonsils in the origin of sagittal skeletodental abnormalities has been widely discussed in the literature but remains controversial. Data on the probable relationship between enlarged tonsils and the presence of these abnormalities were subjective. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between the space occupied by the palatine tonsils and sagittal cephalometric measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a group of children divided into 5 subgroups according to the standardized tonsillar hypertrophy grading scale. Cephalometric measurements were recorded for each child. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The strength of the association between tonsil grades and quantitative variables was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (Rho). The level of significance was fixed at P=0.05. RESULTS: Lengths SN, t2-p3, h-Gn and Xi-pm, and angles I/F, I/SN, i/M, SNB, SNPog and SNGn were significantly and negatively correlated with grades. The ANB angle, the sagittal position of the pogonion and the angle of facial convexity were significantly and positively correlated with grades. CONCLUSION: Early evaluation of tonsil size can prevent certain skeletodental abnormalities in the sagittal plane caused by upper airway obstruction. Thus, more aggressive late treatments, which are not always as effective as when they are performed during childhood, can be avoided.

Influence of tonsillar grade on the dental arch measurements.

INTRODUCTION: The role of the palatine tonsils in the development of dental intra-arch and interarch abnormalities is often brought up in the literature, but it remains controversial. Data on the probable relationship between enlarged tonsils and the occurrence of orthodontic abnormalities are subjective. The purpose of this study was to seek an association between the space occupied by the palatine tonsils and the dental arch measurements. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a group of children subdivided into 5 groups according to the standardized tonsillar hypertrophy grading scale. Dental arch measurements were recorded for each child. Data were analyzed with software. Comparisons of qualitative variables according to tonsillar grade were made using the chi-square test. The strength of the association between tonsillar grade and qualitative variables was evaluated with a phi coefficient (φ). The strength of the association between tonsillar grade and quantitative variables was assessed by the Spearman' rank correlation coefficient (rho). The significance threshold was set at P = 0.05. RESULTS: The maxillary dental arch depth was significantly and positively correlated to grade. The maxillary intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar widths were significantly and negatively correlated to grade. Grade 4 was strongly associated with molar Class II malocclusions, and posterior crossbite with functional lateral deviation of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: Early evaluation of the size of the palatine tonsils would help to prevent orthodontic abnormalities caused by upper airway obstruction. Thus, patients could be spared late, more aggressive treatments that are less efficient than treatments during childhood.

Vertical photogrammetric evaluation of the soft tissue profiles of two different racial groups: a comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Facial soft-tissue analyses based on photographic records (photogrammetric analysis of the soft tissues) highlight interracial and interethnic dimorphism. The standards for facial analyses, originally obtained from Caucasian subjects, are not appropriate for the diagnosis and treatment planning of other groups of orthodontic patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the photogrammetric soft tissue profile characteristics in the vertical dimension of Senegalese and Moroccan adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on a group of Senegalese and Moroccan students in the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of Dakar. Standardized profile photographs were taken for each student in a natural head position, centric relation, and relaxed lip posture. Fourteen linear and ten angular parameters were measured on a paper print using a graduated ruler and a protractor. The mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for each variable. In addition an independent samples t-test was performed to detect sexual and racial dimorphism. Results were regarded as significant at P=0.05. RESULTS: Moroccan subjects had a less pronounced nasal bridge and a significantly more open nasolabial angle than the Senegalese, who had significantly greater lip height and a significantly less open inter-labial angle than the Moroccans. CONCLUSION: Further studies including different age groups would enable longitudinal data according to age to be obtained.

The PAR index for evaluation of treatment outcomes in orthodontics: a clinical audit of 50 cases.

In the context of this study, a clinical audit of cases treated by a single orthodontist was carried out to illustrate one practical application of the PAR index. Fifty pairs of dental casts taken from the patient group before and at the end of orthodontic treatment were evaluated by an orthodontist trained in the use of the PAR index. This evaluation shows that the average overall PAR score for the subjects included in the study fell from an initial value of 25.64 ± 11.73 points to 1.78 ± 2.79 points at the end of orthodontic treatment. The average reduction attributable to orthodontic treatment was 23.86 ± 0.95 points, for an average percentage reduction of 93.36 ± 9.02%. When cases were classified according to the degree of improvement suggested by the nomogram of the PAR index, 23 (46%) were in the "Improved" category after treatment, and 27 cases (54%) in the "Greatly improved" category. This adds up to a total of 100% in these two categories, with none in the "No better" or "Worse" categories. It should be recalled that a high standard of orthodontic treatment is considered to be reached when the average percentage reduction of the PAR score exceeds 70% and when the number of cases in the "Worse or no better" category is below 5%.

[Translation and cultural adaptation of a french version of the psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics questionnaire: PIDAQ]. / Traduction et adaptation culturelle en français d'un indicateur de qualité de vie liée aux dysmorphoses orthodontiques : le PIDAQ.

The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) is a tool developed and validated to specifically assess subject's quality of life related to orthodontic anomalies. The aims of the present study were to translate and culturally adapt the PIDAQ's native English version into French, and to test the psychometric characteristics of the version thereby obtained. Toward these ends, the PIDAQ's original English version was translated into French and back-translated into English following the prescribed guidelines. Each of the versions obtained from the translation process was further subjected to a committee review. The final French version which is named QIPEO underwent an analysis of psychometric properties on a sample of 42 subjects (33 females and 9 males, aged 24.60 ± 8.66 years). Internal consistency was good with Cronbach ff coefficients ranging from 0.67 for "aesthetic concerns" to 0.87 for "social impact". The reproducibility of the responses given by 14 subjects after 15 days interval was correct with intraclass coefficients ranging from 0.72 for "social impact" to 0.90 for "aesthetic concerns". Furthermore, the different subscales of the French version of the PIDAQ showed excellent correlation with the perception of aesthetics and fairly good correlation with self-perception of orthodontic treatment need. Definite need for orthodontic treatment, as assessed normatively by the IOTN, was significantly associated with lower scores of "self-confidence" and higher scores of "social impact", "psychological impact" and "aesthetic concerns". Overall, the French version of the PIDAQ was shown to be reliable and has some validity for use in this population. Further studies including a larger sample size is recommended to reassess the validation and the responsiveness of this French version.

Attempted validation of a method to locate entry and exit foramens of the branches of the trigeminal nerve; benefits for an original cephalometric analysis technique.

INTRODUCTION: Trigeminal analysis focuses on the skeletal entrance and exit orifices of the sensitive fibers of the trigeminal nerve. The aim of this study was to validate the techniques used to locate these landmarks as described by the creator of trigeminal analysis of the face. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This descriptive study was performed on a dry human skull. Two tin balls forming markers R1 and R2 were fixed at random on the skull in a median sagittal position. Two headfilms of the skull were made. The first showed tin balls fixed at the entrance and exit foramens of the sensitive fibers of the trigeminal nerve. The second showed the foramens without the tin balls. The position of the reference point corresponding to the entrance and exit points of the trigeminal fibers was entered on a tracing made from the headfilm (without the balls on the foramens) by 16 operators using an ad hoc guide supplied by Crocquet. A comparison was made between the points as positioned by these operators and the true points as revealed by the X-rays of the balls on the first image (Gold Standard) by calculating the difference between their coordinates on an axis connecting R1 et R2 (X-axis) and the line perpendicular to it passing through R2 (Y-axis). Trigeminal cephalometric analysis was then performed on each of the tracings. The angles and linear values were compared. The validity of the positioning of the points and of the values provided by the analysis was demonstrated by the existence of a difference of less than 2units (mm or degrees). RESULTS: No difference in the means between the trigeminal points found by the operators and the Gold Standard points represented by the X-rays of the balls placed on the foramens exceeded 2mm in absolute value on the Y-axis. On the X-axis, the differences greater than 2mm in absolute value related to: the supra-orbital notch (ESO) and the foramen ovale (FO) (2.12 and 8.19mm, respectively). The angles (ESO-TGR-TO) and (TGR-ESO-TSO) were the only ones to display differences exceeding 2° in absolute value between the two images. CONCLUSION: The detection method advanced by Crocquet for the positioning of the eight points of reference used for analyzing the entrance and exit foramens of the trigeminal nerve is valid apart from the TO and ESO points. Consequently, the validity of the angle measurements involving these points is affected. Further research is required to confirm these findings. If necessary, new recommendations should be devised in order to improve the localization of the TO and ESO cephalometric points.

Evaluation of dentoskeletal parameters in Senegalese subjects using orthodontic architectural analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population based on an architectural cephalometric analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and five lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross-sectional study. All lateral cephalometric films were traced on a transparent cellulose acetate sheet by the same operator. Danguy architectural analysis was performed with 11 measurements (seven linear and four angular). T-test was used to assess differences in cephalometric variables between subjects grouped according to gender (male and female) and age bracket (<12 years and ≥12 years). Significance was set at p≤0.05. RESULTS: This study shows that this Senegalese sample had a skeletal class II tendency associated with backward mandibular rotation. The divergence of masticatory corner appears to be greater than in Caucasians with more vertical facial growth. No statistically significant differences were found between men and women. As compared to the under 12 years subgroup, the over 12 years subgroup shows significant increase in maxillary and mandibular lengths whereas skeletal divergence evidenced the opposite tendency and the difference with the under 12 subgroup was significant. Lastly, the first molar underwent significantly greater mesial drift in the 12 and over sub-group. CONCLUSION: Danguy architectural analysis provides a good reliable comparative assessment of facial structures and offers an addition to conventional dimensional or typological analytical methods.

Influence of the mode of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking on the dimensions of primary dental arches.

INTRODUCTION: Sucking is innate in both infants and young children. It is termed nutritive when referring to suckling from the breast or bottle-feeding and non-nutritive when applied to sucking of a digit or pacifier. Few studies have attempted to assess the impact of the type of sucking on the size of the dental arches. The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of the mode of nutritive suckling and non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) on the measurements of the dental arches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a transverse descriptive study involving 226 Senegalese children. The mode of feeding and the presence or not of a NNSH (digit or pacifier) were gathered from parents of all children using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative variables regarding intra- and inter-arch relationships were recorded using plaster moulds taken from the children. Statistical analyses were used to compare the different variables according to gender, the mode of feeding and the presence or not of a NNSH. RESULTS: The subjects in the study (123 boys and 103 girls) were aged between 5 and 6years old. The children who had enjoyed mixed feeding (breast/bottle combination) had a great length of the anterior maxillary arch and a significantly greater depth of the palatal arch than children receiving breast-feeding alone. The children with antecedents or a current NNSH had a longer anterior maxillary arch than subjects with no NNSH (P=0.01). Regarding inter-arch relationships, the children with antecedents or a current digit-sucking habit had less overbite than their peers who had no NNSH (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that bottle-feeding, even partial, as well as NNSH are associated with changes in certain dimensions of the maxillary dental arch and in inter-arch relationships. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate further the nature of this association.

[Value of trigeminal nerve foramina-based approach in the cephalometric study of sagittal morphology of Senegalese subjects]. / Intérêt d'une approche téléradiographique basée sur les entités trigéminales dans l'étude de la morphologie sagittale de sujets sénégalais.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population based on an original cephalometric analysis using landmarks corresponding to the bony entrance or emergence of sensory fibers of the trigeminal nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and five lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross sectional study. The landmarks used were based on cranial foramina i.e. ovale (TO), rotundum (TGR), supraorbital (ESO), infraorbital (TSO), incisive (CPA), lesser palatine (CPP), mandibular (IM) and mental (TM). Seven angular measurements were determined on each cephalogram. t test was used to assess differences in cephalometric variable between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female) and age bracket (< 12 years and > or = 12 years). The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the cephalometric trigeminal and conventional variables. The significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The Senegalese mesoface appear to be more retrusive and more divergent when compared with European standard. Regarding sexual differences, TRG-ESO-CPA angle shows significant sexual dimorphism, the maxillary mesofacial prognathism is more important for boys (p = 0.04). When compared to the < 12 years subgroup, the > 12 years subgroup shows significant increase in the mesofacial prognathism and a decrease in the mesofacial divergence but the difference was not significant. Maxillary and mandibular mesofacial prognathism were positively correlated respectively with SNA (r = 0.22; p = 0.021) and SNB (r = 0.28; p = 0.004). The latter were in addition negatively correlated with the mandibular angle Ar-Go-Me (r = - 0.20; p = 0.041). Lastly, the mesofacial divergence angle is positively correlated with the mandibular angle (r = 0.20; p = 0.044) and negatively correlated with SNB (r = - 0.22; p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The trigeminal analysis based on true anatomical skeletal points provides a good way to assess facial structures and could allow proper forecasting of the dento-alveolar compensation and complement reliably conventional cephalometric analysis.

Attempt at modelizing the dental arch form of the Senegalese subject.

Insufficient attention paid to dental arch forms during orthodontic treatment can give rise to relapses. The aim of this study was to calculate the mean dental arch form of the Senegalese subject and to suggest a characteristic polynomial function. Our sample comprised 57 Senegalese subjects aged between 13 and 33 years displaying an ideal occlusion. By superimposing all the arch curves of the different subjects in the series and by adopting intermolar distance as the standard unit, we were able to calculate the mean maxillary and mandibular arch forms and suggest a polynomial function of 6 degrees enabling production of almost perfect reproductions of these forms.

[Factors predictive of the probable occurrence of traumatic lesions at the level of the incisors. A case-control study of Senegalese adolescents]. / Facteurs prédictifs de survenue de lésions traumatiques au niveau des incisives. Etude cas-témoins chez des adolescents sénégalais.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the factors influencing traumatic injuries of the anterior teeth is useful to prevent their occurrence. The aim of this case control study is to test the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic factors and dental traumatism in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases are 32 adolescent consulting for dental traumatism at the University Dental Clinic Dakar (Senegal). Control subjects (49) are derived from the same population but were free from any dental traumatism. Logistic regression analyses are performed to identify factors that best predict the occurrence of incisor traumatism. RESULTS: Stepwise logistic regression analysis identifies the angle between upper incisor axis to palatal plane (OR = 1.10; 95% CI; 1.01-1.19) and variables related to lip position as best predictors of incisors traumatism. Insufficient lip coverage in rest position increases eight times the odds of having incisors injury. CONCLUSION: Early orthodontic management of the identified factors may help preventing the occurrence of traumatic incisor injuries.

[Prevalence and factors associated with non-nutritive sucking behavior. Cross sectional study among 5- to 6-year-old Senegalese children]. / Prévalence et facteurs associés aux habitudes de succion non nutritive. Etude transversale chez des enfants sénégalais âgés de 5/6 ans.

Sucking behaviours have been described in the literature under two facets i.e. nutritive and non nutritive. Nutritive sucking refers to breast feeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both. Non nutritive sucking habits are mentioned when children suck their thumb or another finger(s), a pacifier or any other object. Non nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) are suspected to potentially induce dentoalveolar anomalies and thus may constitute a public dental health problem. Anthropological and historical data suggest that non nutritive sucking habits are associated with modern pattern of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with NNSH in Senegalese children 5/6 years old. Data of this study were collected using a structured questionnaire administered by the investigators to mothers or caregivers of 443 children (231 boys and 212 girls) aged 5/6 years. Three types of data were collected: data on the social background of the children including place of residence (urban, suburban and rural) and the mother's occupation (workers, employee, executive, housewife), data regarding former and present sucking habits and information on the feeding pattern of the children when they were infants (breast feeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both). The results indicated a prevalence rate of 16.50% and 17.20% respectively for digit and pacifier sucking in this population. Also, a significant association was found between children's non nutritive sucking habits in one hand and the mothers' occupation and feeding pattern on the other hand. Breast fed children are less prone to develop a non nutritive sucking habit than bottle fed children. Longitudinal studies are necessary to verify the nature of these associations. The identification of factors associated with non nutritive sucking habits would permit to develop and target recommendations for the prevention of such habits.