Awareness Regarding Various Oral Habits, Their Effect on Development of Malocclusion & Intervention by the Habit Breaking Appliances among the Parents of Children Between the Age 5-12 Years, in Kheda District, Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Growing children require appropriate guidance for healthy growth and maintenance of their teeth. Oral health of growing children is affected by parental knowledge and awareness regarding various harmful oral habits, preventive regular dental visit, care of primary teeth and apprehension for any irregularities in the dental arch etc. Malocclusion is one of the most common oral pathologies ranked third in world public dental disease priorities, next to dental caries and periodontal disease. Hence, habit breaking appliances that can be used along with fixed orthodontic appliances will be of great advantage.

Aim: To assess the level of awareness in parents regarding the effects of deleterious oral habits on the development of malocclusion and knowledge regarding intervention through habit breaking appliances.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the parents of children between age group 5-12 years who visited Department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Parents of patients who visited the department of orthodontics were given the questionnaire based on their language preference. It was a closed ended questionnaire with 11 questions based on yes /no format and it was mandatory to answer all questions.

Results: 100 completely answered questionnaire were submitted during the stipulated timeline. 61% of parents were aware about the presence of deleterious oral habits in their children, out of which 40% of parents were aware about the thumb sucking habit, 23% were aware regarding the tongue thrusting habit, 35% were aware regarding mouth breathing habit, 32 % were aware regarding bruxism and 44% of parents were aware regarding the nail-biting habit.

Conclusion: As per our study only 21% of parents were aware regarding the development of malocclusion. More extensive awareness programs should be conducted to educate parents regarding the ill effects of oral habits and the use of habit breaking appliances.