A GENDER-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RISK OF MALOCCLUSION AND OCCLUSAL TRAITS AMONG PRESCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

E. Kongo¹ , E. Gaçe¹ , B.M. Gravina² , I. Gribizi¹ , G.M. Gravina³

¹ Dentistry Department, Faculty of Medical Science, Albanian University, Tirana, Albania
² University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
³ Dentistry Department, Faculty of Medical Science, Albanian University, 1017 Tirana, ALB, Albania

Correspondence to:

Annals of Stomatology 2025 January-April; 5(1): 30-36
https://doi.org/10.69129/stomatol/2025v5iss1_5

Received: 28 November 2024 Accepted: 2 January 2025

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the risk of malocclusion according to gender using the Baby-Roma Index and occlusal traits in a sample of Albanian preschool-age children. Three hundred thirty children 3-6 years old were screened, and data were collected using the Baby Roma Index. The overall prevalence of malocclusion was 68.8%. None of the examined children was assigned to grade 5 (systemic problems). 46.2% of children (56 males and 49 females) had a score of 4. Similarly, among the children in grade 3, there were more males than females. 31% of participants were assigned minor/no treatment needs. There was no significant relationship between genders and index grades. The most observed frequency of molar relationship right (52.4%) and left (54.1%) sides was flush terminal plane. Distal step was less frequent (17.6% right side and 18.9% left side). There was no significant change in right and left molar relationships between genders. Class I canine relationships (62% right side) and 64% (left side) were the most frequent. There was no significant relationship between canine relationships and gender. Malocclusion was widespread among children included in the study. Almost half of them need orthodontic treatment. There were no gender-based changes in the risk of malocclusion and occlusal traits.

Keywords: Albanian preschool children, Baby Roma Index, occlusal traits