Assessment of sleep knowledge among medical and dental students in a Nigerian tertiary institution: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Sleep medicine is a rapidly growing field of Medicine globally. However, studies are lacking on the knowledge of Nigerian medical and dental students on sleep and the different types of sleep disorders. Thus, we assessed the knowledge, interest and awareness of Nigerian medical and dental students about sleep medicine. We also determined the factors associated with sleep knowledge among the medical and dental students. METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study from June to September 2021, among medical students at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The students' knowledge of sleep was assessed with the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) survey. The participants were classified as having low or high scores based on the proportion who gave a correct answer to 60% of the questions. RESULTS: Among the 488 students who completed the questionnaire, there was a male preponderance (55%). About three-quarters of the respondents (376, 77%) had a low sleep knowledge score. Age, year of study, and awareness about sleep medicine were the predictors of sleep knowledge. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the medical students had poor sleep knowledge scores. There is a need to incorporate teaching sleep medicine in the curriculum of medical students early in their training.

Effects of Recent/Healed Post-Extraction Protocols on Incisor and Canine Alignment During Fixed Orthodontic Appliance Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of recent/healed post-premolar extraction protocol, gender, age, and dental arch on incisor and canine alignment during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 50 dental arches of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance therapy. The arches were randomized into an equal number of recent and healed extraction groups. The orthodontic setup was instituted within 3-7 days and 5-6 weeks following first premolar teeth extractions in the recent and healed extraction groups, respectively. Orthodontic tooth alignment was carried out using 0.016-inch NiTi wires for 16 weeks. Study casts were made at baseline, 4, 8, 12-, and 16-week follow-up treatment. Little's Irregularity Index was used to assess orthodontic tooth alignment. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the alignment rates between groups, and multiple linear regression was used to predict the relationship of groups and sociodemographic factors to alignment rate. The statistical significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The mean daily incisor and canine alignment rates in the recent and healed extraction cases were 0.13 mm and 0.11 mm, respectively (P = .332), 0.12 mm in both males and females (P = .827), and 0.13 mm and 0.12 mm in the maxilla and mandible, respec- tively (P = .534). There was however a significant difference in the mean daily alignment rate between adolescents (0.15 mm) and adults (0.10 mm) (P = .019). CONCLUSION: The rate of incisor and canine alignment was not affected significantly by recent/healed post-extraction protocol, gen- der, and dental arch. However, the rate was significantly faster in adolescents.

Oral health-related quality of life of adolescents assessed with the Malocclusion Impact and Child Perceptions questionnaires.

INTRODUCTION: Our study objectives were to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) of adolescents aged 11-14 years in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: Two hundred adolescents completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire: Impact Short Form (CPQ11-14-ISF:16) and the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ). The Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need scale was used to determine malocclusion severity. The effect of sex, age, and socioeconomic class on OHRQOL were determined with the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, correlation tests, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS (version 22.0; IBM, Armonk, NY). Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. RESULTS: The CPQ11-14-ISF:16 and MIQ identified the impact of malocclusion on OHRQOL with mean (standard deviation) scores of 12.85 (10.17) and 8.33 (7.50), respectively. Sex, socioeconomic class, and malocclusion severity had no significant effect on OHRQOL (P >0.05); however, OHRQOL differed significantly between the age groups (CPQ11-14-ISF:16, P = 0.002; MIQ, P = 0.041). Multiple regression analysis showed that age was a significant predictor of OHRQOL determined with CPQ11-14-ISF:16 (standardized coefficients B score = -0.242, P = 0.001). MIQ demonstrated good criterion validity with CPQ11-14-ISF:16 (r = 0.59, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both measures CPQ11-14-ISF:16 and MIQ identified the impact of malocclusion on the OHRQOL of adolescents. Sex, socioeconomic class, and malocclusion severity did not affect OHRQOL; however, age was a significant predictor of OHRQOL. Further studies among orthodontic patient populations are desirable.

Association between early childhood caries and malnutrition in a sub-urban population in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: To determine the association between malnutrition and early childhood caries (ECC) in children resident in sub-urban, Nigeria. METHODS: This study was a subset of a larger cross-sectional study the data of which was generated through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The study's explanatory variable was malnutrition (underweight, overweight, wasting and stunting) and the outcome variable was ECC. Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the association between ECC and malnutrition. Variables (sex, frequency of sugar consumption, maternal knowledge of oral hygiene, oral hygiene status) associated with ECC in the primary study were adjusted for to obtain the adjusted prevalence ratio (APR). RESULTS: Of the 370 children, 20 (5.41%) were underweight, 20 (5.41%) were overweight, 67 (18.11%) were wasting, 120 (32.43%) were stunted and 18 (4.86%) had ECC. Factors associated with ECC were being stunted, underweight, overweight and fair oral hygiene. The prevalence of ECC was lower in children who were stunted (APR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03-0.69; p = 0.02), almost seven times higher in children who were overweight (APR: 6.88; 95% CI: 1.83-25.85; p < 0.001), and predictively absent in children who were underweight (APR: 0; 95% CI: 0-0; p < 0.001) when compared with children who had normal weight. Non-significant risk indicators for ECC included consuming sugar between meals three times a day or more, having low socioeconomic status and being female. CONCLUSIONS: For this study population, the indicators of malnutrition - being stunted, underweight, overweight - and fair oral hygiene were risk indicators for ECC. The frequency of sugar consumption was not a significant risk indicator when malnutrition was included as an explanatory variable for ECC in the study population.

Association between malocclusion, caries and oral hygiene in children 6 to 12 years old resident in suburban Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting opinions about the contribution of malocclusions to the development of dental caries and periodontal disease. This study's aim was to determine the association between specific malocclusion traits, caries, oral hygiene and periodontal health for children 6 to 12 years old. METHODS: The study was a household survey. The presence of malocclusion traits was assessed in 495 participants. The caries status and severity were assessed with the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index and the pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess (pufa/PUFA) index. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Gingival Index (GI) were used to assess periodontal health. The association between malocclusion traits, the presence of caries, poor oral hygiene, and poor gingival health were determined with chi square and logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was inferred at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-four (14.9%) study participants had caries, with mean (SD) dmft/DMFT scores of 0.27 (0.82) and 0.07 (0.39), respectively, and mean (SD) pufa/PUFA index scores of 0.09 (0.43) and 0.02 (0.20), respectively. The mean (SD) OHI-S score was 1.56 (0.74) and mean (SD) GI score was 0.90 (0.43). Dental Aesthetic Index scores ranged from 13 to 48 with a mean (SD) score of 20.7 (4.57). Significantly greater proportions of participants with crowding (p = 0.026) and buccal crossbite (p = 0.009) had caries. Significantly more children with increased overjet (p = 0.003) and anterior open bite (p = 0.008) had moderate to severe gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene (OR: 1.83; CI: 1.05-3.18 p = 0.033), crowding (OR: 1.97; CI: 1.01-3.49; p = 0.021) and buccal crossbite (OR: 6.57; CI: 1.51-28.51 p = 0.012) significantly increased the odds of having caries. Poor oral hygiene (p < 0.001), increased overjet (p = 0.003), and anterior open bite (p = 0.014) were the only significant traits associated with gingivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Crowding and buccal cross bite were associated with caries, whereas increased overjet and anterior open bite were associated with gingivitis. These findings justify the recommendation of orthodontic treatment to improve oral health.

Habit-breaking methods employed by mothers of children with nonnutritive sucking habits resident in suburban Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Parents are often concerned about their children's nonnutritive sucking (NNS) habits and may institute mechanisms to try to break them. AIM: The study identified various methods instituted by mothers resident in a suburban Nigeria to break NNS habits of children, reasons for wanting to break the habit, and the association between instituted methods and sociodemographic profile of the mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 129 mothers of children aged 4 years to 12 years who had NNS habits at the time of conducting a household survey were analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Tests of associations were conducted to determine the association between maternal age and level of education and methods employed to break child's NNS habits. RESULTS: Eighty-four mothers (65.1%) made efforts to break the habit. Habit persisting to older age was the main concern. The most common method employed for breaking habits was punishing the child (54.8%).Only 7 (20.0%) mothers who were concerned about NNS habit(s) sought professional advice. A greater though insignificant percentage of mothers in the 25-34 years age group (57.2%; P = 0.48) and those with secondary school level of education (56.0%; P = 0.12) made efforts to break their children's NNS habits. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mothers were concerned about their children's NNS habits. However, very few concerned mothers sought professional advice. Efforts need to be made to improve the public awareness about the availability of professional services for managing NNS habits and potential impact of employing nonprofessional methods to break habits.

Evaluation of early changes in oral health-related quality of life amongst Nigerian patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance therapy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate changes in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) during fixed appliance therapy. METHODS: Sixty-one patients requiring fixed appliance therapy participated in the study. OHRQoL was assessed in all participants using the United Kingdom Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL-UK) tool and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), at baseline (T0), 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4), after appliance placement. Friedman 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the changes at the P<0.05 significance level. RESULTS: There was a significant deterioration in OHRQoL in the first week of treatment based on the OHRQoL-UK measure (P=0.01). The PIDAQ, however, showed significant improvement in OHRQoL throughout the study period (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fixed orthodontic appliance therapy can significantly improve the OHRQoL of individuals.

Association between family structure and oral health of children with mixed dentition in suburban Nigeria.

CONTEXT: Family structures can affect the oral health of the child. However, little is known about the impact of the family structure on oral health of children in Africa. AIMS: To determine the association between family structure, twice daily toothbrushing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, caries, and oral hygiene status of 5-12-year-old children resident in semi-urban Nigeria. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the data of 601 children recruited through a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The association between dependent variables (presence of caries, good oral hygiene, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and twice daily toothbrushing) and the family structure (parental structure, number of siblings, and birth rank) was determined. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Simple and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association. The regression models were adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: Children who were not primogenitor had significantly reduced odds of using fluoridated toothpaste (AOR: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.97; P = 0.01) when compared with children who were primogenitors or only children. Furthermore, having 0-2 siblings significantly reduced the odds of having caries (AOR: 0.46; CI: 0.28-0.78; P < 0.001) when compared with children who had three or more siblings. Children who used fluoridated toothpaste had significantly increased odds of having good oral hygiene (AOR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.18-2.28; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For this study population, the number of siblings and the birth rank increased the chances of having caries and use of fluoridated toothpaste, respectively.

Dental Arch Dimensions of Nigerian Children with Hypertrophied Adenoids.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the effect of adenoid hypertrophy on the dental arch dimensions of children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. METHODS: Ninety patients aged 3-12 years attending the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife diagnosed as having hypertrophied adenoids and 90 children from the Child Dental Health Clinic were recruited as adenoid and control subjects respectively. Arch and palatal vault dimensions, including total arch length; inter-canine, inter-premolar, and inter-molar widths; palatal length; and palatal heights measured at three levels and palatal volume were determined for both groups from dental casts. RESULTS: Maxillary arch dimensions were shorter in the adenoid group than the control group; however, only total maxillary arch length was significantly shorter (p=0.049). Mandibular arch dimensions with the exception of inter-molar width were significantly shorter in the adenoid group (p<0.05). Adenoid subjects had significantly increased palatal heights at canine, premolar, and molar levels and reduced palatal volume compared to the control subjects (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Adenoid subjects demonstrated shorter maxillary and mandibular arch dimensions compared with control subjects, with the differences being more evident in the lower arch. They also exhibited increased palatal heights at all levels and reduced palatal volume compared with control subjects.

Digit Sucking Habit and Association with Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children Aged 6 Months to 12 Years Resident in Semi-Urban Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a common behavior in childhood. The association between digit sucking, dental caries and oral health has been studied with inconclusive results. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of, and the association between digit sucking, caries and oral hygiene status of children age six months to 12 years, resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. Data were collected through a household survey using a multi-stage sampling procedure from children between six months and 12 years. Details of each child's socio-demographic characteristics, digit sucking habits, caries status and oral health status were collected. The association between digit sucking, caries status and oral hygiene status was determined using Chi square and Logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the 992 study participants was 5.8 ± (3.2) years. The prevalence of digit sucking, caries and poor oral hygiene were 7.2%, 10.5% and 2.4% respectively. The mean dmft score was 0.22 ± (0.80), mean DMFT score was 0.04 ± (0.30) while mean Oral Hygiene Index score was 1.27 ± (0.73). Digit sucking increased the odds of having caries (OR: 1.28; CI: 0.58-2.81) but decreased the odds of having poor oral hygiene (OR: 0.58; CI: 0.34-1.01) insignificantly. CONCLUSIONS: Digit sucking was not a significant predictor of caries and oral hygiene status, although the odds of having caries increased while the odds of having poor oral hygiene decreased with digit sucking.

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.

The prevalence, pattern and clinical presentation of developmental dental hard-tissue anomalies in children with primary and mix dentition from Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The study of dental anomalies is important because it generates information that is important for both the anthropological and clinical management of patients. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of presentation of dental hard-tissue developmental anomalies in the mix dentition of children residing in Ile-Ife, a suburban region of Nigeria. METHODS: Information on age, sex and socioeconomic status was collected from 1,036 children aged four months to 12 years through a household survey. Clinical examination was conducted to assess the presence of dental anomalies. Associations between age, sex, socioeconomic status, prevalence, and pattern of presentation of the developmental hard-tissue dental anomalies were determined. RESULT: Two hundred and seventy six (26.6%) children had dental anomalies. Of these, 23.8% had one anomaly, 2.5% had two anomalies, and 0.3% had more than two anomalies. Of the children with anomalies, 49.3%were male, 50.7%were female, and 47.8%, 28.6% and 23.6% were children from low, middle and high socioeconomic classes, respectively. More anomalies were seen in permanent than primary dentition. Anomalies of tooth structure were most prevalent (16.1%); anomalies which affect tooth number were least prevalent (1.3%). Dens evaginatus, peg-shaped lateral, macrodontia, and talon cusp were more prevalent in the permanent dentition, and dens evaginatus peg-shaped lateral and macrodontia were more prevalent in the maxilla. There were significantly more macrodontia anomalies in males and in children of high socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: This large survey of dental hard-tissue anomalies found in the primary dentition and mixed dentition of children in Nigeria provides anthropological and clinical data that may aid the detection and management of dental problems of children in Nigeria.

Assessment of the impact of tongue size in patients with bimaxillary protrusion.

BACKGROUND: Tongue size, posture and pressure are considered to have significant influences on the positioning of dentoalveolar structures. Based on the equilibrium theory, forward resting posture of the tongue with light force and long duration could have both a horizontal and vertical effect on teeth. Bimaxillary proclination, a malocclusion trait often seen in African descents with multifactorial etiological factors, could well be related to tongue dimensions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tongue dimensions and bimaxillary proclination patients. METHODOLOGY: One hundred selected lateral cephalometric radiographs of consecutive orthodontic patients who met the study criteria were divided into study (bimaxillary proclination with interincisal angle [I/I]< 108°) and control (normal with interincisal relationship [I/I] ≥ 108°) groups. The subjects' tongues were pre-coated with barium sulphate before radiography in order to delineate the tongue outline. Tongue dimensions and the intermaxillary space surface area were determined and analyzed using SPSS version 11 and a computer programme for epidemiological analysis. RESULTS: The mean tongue measurements in the bimaxillary proclination group were higher than those in the control group except for tongue proportion. These differences were statistically significant for tongue thickness, tongue length and intermaxillary space length (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the tongue area and intermaxillary space area between subjects with bimaxillary proclination and a normal interincisal relationship (P > 0.05). None of the variables (tongue thickness, tongue length, intermaxillary space length, tongue area and percentage tongue proportion) could be used as predictors for interincisal relationship. CONCLUSION: Tongue length, thickness and intermaxillary space length were significantly different between the bimaxillary and normal subjects. However, none of the measured tongue variables could be used as a predictor for incisor relationship.

Evaluation of self-perceived dental aesthetics and orthodontictreatment need among young adults / Avaliação da autopercepção da estética dental e da necessidade detratamento ortodôntico entre pacientes adultos jovens

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the self-perception of dental aesthetics and orthodontic treatment need in a group of young adults. Materials and methods: Perception of dental aesthetics and orthodontic treatment need was assessed among 189 first year university undergraduates using the Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS), a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Aesthetic component (AC) scale of the Index of Orthodontic treatment Need (IOTN). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 11.0. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify differences in the mean VAS and OASIS scores according to perceived orthodontic treatment need on the AC scale of IOTN. The relationship between the various scales was examined using correlation tests. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Results: The mean OASIS and VAS scores were 13.61 ± 5.98 and 75.64 ± 18.40 respectively. According to the AC scale of IOTN, 86.8% of participants rated themselves as having no need for treatment, 7.4% borderline need and 5.8% great need for orthodontic treatment. Comparison of mean OASIS and VAS scores according to the AC category showed a trend towards higher mean OASIS scores and lower VAS scores with greater treatment need. ANOVA showed there were significant differences between the AC groups in mean OASIS and VAS scores. Spearman‘s correlation tests between the 3 scales gave low results. Conclusion: There was a low correlation between the OASIS, VAS and AC scale of IOTN in evaluating self-perception of dental aesthetics and orthodontic treatment need. The OASIS and VAS were able to discriminate between participants with different degrees of treatment need.

Objetivos: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a autopercepção da estética dentária e necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico em um grupo de adultos jovens. Materiais e métodos: A percepção da estética e a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico foram avaliadas entre 189 estudantes universitários do primeiro ano, usando a Escala Ortodôntica de Impacto Subjetivo (OASIS), uma escala visual analógica (VAS), e a Escala de Componente Estético (AC) do Índice de Necessidade de Tratamento Ortodôntico (IOTN). A análise dos dados foi feita usando SPSS versão 11.0. Estatística descritiva e Qui-quadrado foram utilizados. Análise de variância (ANOVA) foi utilizada para identificar diferenças entre as médias e pontuações de VAS e OASIS de acordo com a necessidade percebida de tratamento ortodôntico na escala AC de IOTN. A relação entre as várias escalas foi examinada utilizando ensaios de correlação. A significância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: As medias e desvios padrão de OASIS e VAS foram 13,61 ± 5,98 e 75,64 ± 18,40, respectivamente. De acordo com a escala AC de IOTN, 86,8% dos participantes se classificaram como não tendo necessidade de tratamento, 7,4% ficaram na situação limítrofe de necessidade, e 5,8% relataram grande necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico. A comparação entre as medias de OASIS e VAS de acordo com a categoria AC mostrou uma tendência de maior escore para OASIS e mais baixo escore para VAS, com maior necessidade de tratamento. ANOVA mostrou que houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos OASIS e VAS. Testes de correlação de Spearman entre as três escalas apresentaram resultados baixos. Conclusões: Houve uma baixa correlação entre o OASIS, VAS e escala de AC de IOTN na avaliação de autopercepção da estética dentária e necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico. OASIS e VAS foram capazes de discriminar entre os participantes com diferentes graus de necessidade de tratamento.

Psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics among university undergraduates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dental appearance on the psychosocial well-being of young adults in a university community. METHODS: The participants were a sample (165) of first year University undergraduates who completed the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), a condition-specific Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measure and another self-rating instrument, the Perception of Occlusion Scale (POS). Self- and examiner-perceived dental aesthetics were determined using the Aesthetic Component (AC) scale of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and a modification of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Results were analysed using non-parametric tests (Kruskall Wallis). Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. RESULTS: Participants with varying degrees of self- and examiner-perceived dental aesthetics according to the AC of IOTN and the POS demonstrated statistically significant differences in well-being based on the PIDAQ subscale scores (p<0.05), with the dental self-confidence subscale demonstrating the strongest difference. No significant differences were observed between the modified DAI groups. CONCLUSION: Differences in the quality of life of individuals with varying degrees of dental aesthetics and different levels of treatment need were identified by the PIDAQ. The most significant impact of impaired aesthetics being on dental self-confidence.

The relationship between malocclusion, lip competence and gingival health in a group of schoolchildrenp / Relação entre má-oclusão, incompetência labial e saúde gengival num grupo de crianças em idade escolar

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between malocclusion, lip competenceand gingival health among a sample of school children. Material and method: A multi stagesampling technique was used to randomly select 239 school children. Malocclusion was evaluated andgraded from the children’s dental casts using the Dental Aesthetics Index (DAI) and Littles’ IrregularityIndex (LII). The lips were examined for competence according to Jackson’s classifi cation. Gingival healthwas assessed using the Plaque Index and Index of gingival infl ammation. Results: A mean DAI scoreof 26.37 ± 6.67 was obtained while the mean score of the LII was 1.88 ± 1.68 mm. Majority of thechildren (97.1%) had competent lips. Results of correlation tests between DAI scores and the periodontalindices were low and not statistically signifi cant, while that of the LII score and periodontal indiceswere also low but statistically signifi cant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A cause and effect relationship couldnot be established between malocclusion and gingivitis. A weak correlation exists between malocclusionassessed by the DAI and LII and periodontal indices used. This supports the opinion that prescribingorthodontic treatment solely for the purpose of maintaining periodontal health is not justified.

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre má-oclusão, incompetência labial e saúde gengivalnuma amostra de crianças em idade escolar. Material e método: A técnica de amostragem em estágios múltiplos foiutilizada para selecionar aleatoriamente 239 crianças escolares. A má-oclusão foi avaliada e graduada por modelosdentários das crianças utilizando o índice dentário estético (DAI) e o índice de irregularidades de Little (LII). Oslábios foram examinados e classifi cados – quanto à competência – pela classifi cação de Jackson. A saúde gengival foideterminada pelo índice de placas e índice de infl amação gengival. Resultados: O escore médio DAI de 26,37 ± 6,67foi obtido, enquanto o escore médio LII foi 1,88 ± 1,68 mm. A maioria das crianças (97,1%) tinha lábios competentes.Os resultados dos testes de correção entre escores DAI e índices periodontais foram baixos e não estatisticamentesignifi cantes, enquanto o escore LII e os índices periodontais foram também baixos, mas estatisticamente signifi cantes(p < 0,05). Conclusão: Não foi possível estabelecer uma relação de causa e efeito entre má-oclusão e gengivite.Uma correlação fraca existe entre má-oclusão determinada por DAI e LII e os índices periodontais utilizados. Issosuporta a opinião de que prescrever tratamento ortodôntico apenas com a fi nalidade de manter a saúde periodontalnão se justifica.