Factors associated with malocclusions in children and adolescents with Down syndrome

Introduction: Our aims in this study were to determine the prevalence of malocclusion stemming from vertical or transversal occlusal alterations in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) and the associations with individual, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 112 pairs of mothers and their children with DS between 3 and 18 years of age attending a genetics clinic at a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected with a questionnaire given to the mothers and a clinical examination of the child or adolescent. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression (backward stepwise) analyses were conducted. Results: The results showed a prevalence of malocclusion in 74% of the sample. After the adjustment of the logistic regression model, these variables-age, nail or finger biting habit, mouth posture, and cold or sore-throat episodes in the previous 6 months-were associated with the prevalence of malocclusions in these subjects. Conclusions: The data demonstrate a high prevalence of malocclusions stemming from vertical or transversal occlusal alterations in children and adolescents with DS. Age, nail or finger biting, mouth posture, and upper airway infections were related to malocclusions in these patients.