Prevalence of the oral habits that cause anterior open-bite in Egyptian pre-adolescents (Cross-sectional study)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer at the Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.

2 Assistant Professor at the Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University.

Abstract

The oral habits were claimed to be among the most causative factors of  anterior open-bite (AOB). As AOB is being one of the most difficult cases to orthodontically treat, the proper identification of etiology is important to treat or even prevent the occurrence of the malocclusion. Hence the aim of the study was to identify the oral habits prevalence causing the anterior open-bite. 829 malocclusion preadolescents of both sexes were diagnosed, out of which the percentage of anterior open bite was recorded, as well as, the accompanying oral habits and the data were then statistically analyzed. Out of those patients, 20.9% had AOB. The highest prevalence of habit was the tongue thrust, followed by thumb sucking, mouth breathing and least was lip biting. Some cases showed more than one habit.