implications of the overjet value and of the malocclusion class in predicting the dynamics of dento-periodontal traumatisms in pre-school children

The scope of the study is to evaluate the influence exercised by the overjet values, associated to a class of malocclusions, in the characterization and prediction of dento-periodontal traumatic events in pre-school children. Materials and method. The study was developed on a group of 672 children with chronological ages ranging between 3-7 years, coming from urban and rural areas of the Iaşi district. The presence of dento-periodontal traumatisms, the overjet and the canine class were followed. Data processing was made with the STATISTICA program. Results and discussion. The prevalence of dentoperiodontal traumatisms in the experimental group was of 19.64%. The urban environment to which the childern belonged was moderately associated with the presence of traumatisms, the prevalence of which was significantly higher (40.19%) in children with overjet values exceeding 6 mm. Canine class II was significantly associated with the presence of traumatisms (54.55%), the children without traumatisms showing mainly canine class I (62.96%). Conclusions. The overjet value may represent an important factor for predicting the occurrence of dentoperiodontal traumatisms in temporary dentition.