Prevalence and Factors Associated with Crossbites and Openbites in Primary School Children in the Ouagadougou City

Abstract

Background: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with crossbite and dental open-bite among primary school
students in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study conducted in Ouagadougou schools. A questionnaire sent to the
students' parents had provided information on the presence or not of non-nutritive sucking habits. For each student, the
following data was collected: age, sex, type of dentition, molar Angle class, presence of a deviation of the incisor medline,
openbite, crossbite,mouth breathing, atypical swallowing, non-nutritive sucking habit, and an orthodontic treatment history.

Results: This study examined 950 primary school students, including 51.6% girls and 48.4% boys. Students’ with a mean
age of 9.48 years ± 1.65 years. The posterior openbite was observed in 1% of the study population, the anterior openbite in
7.5%; the anterior crossbite in 3.7% and the posterior crossbite in 10.6% of the students. Anterior openbite and posterior
crossbite were statistically associated with non-nutritive sucking habits and mouth breathing.

Conclusion: Anterior open bite and posterior crossbites were the most prevalent of the malocclusion pattern studied.Astrong
association was observed between the aforementioned and the practice of non-nutritive habits and mouth breathing. Early
intervention of these habits is suggested to reduce the development of malocclusion. Dental open bites and crossbites affect
some school students. Associated factors such as non-nutritive sucking habits, mouth breathing, and atypical swallowing
should be timely managed to reduce the risk of dental malocclusions.