Oral health status in children with reduced lower facial height

Relevance. Early identification of changes in the maxillofacial region may help prevent the development of dental disorders in children. Reduced lower facial height in children is associated not only with altered facial appearance and esthetic concerns, but also with impaired oral health. However, data on oral health status in children with reduced lower facial height remain limited. The aim of this study was to assess oral health status in this patient group.

Materials and methods. A total of 84 children aged 7 to 12 years were examined. Based on the clinical examination findings, 52 patients with an interocclusal distance of 3.1 ± 0.1 mm were included in the study group. The control group comprised 32 children.

Results. Comprehensive clinical examination, supplemented by digital occlusal analysis, revealed an uneven distribution of masticatory load, poor oral hygiene, and high caries experience in children with reduced lower facial height. The Significant Caries Index (SiC) was 6.11 ± 0.29, indicating that nearly every third tooth was affected by caries or its complications.

Conclusion. The oral health characteristics of children with reduced lower facial height should be taken into account when planning treatment. A comprehensive examination is advisable for the early detection of this condition and associated dental risk factors, which may help prevent the development of further dentofacial disorders.

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