Malocclusion in children aged 3-6 years in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence of malocclusion in the deciduous dentition of 221 children aged 3-6 years in Nairobi, Kenya is reported. The children were drawn from six randomly selected preprimary schools (kindergarten, nurseries, and pre-units) from different areas of the city. Overall, 51% of the children were found to have some form of malocclusion. Maxillary overjet accounted for 13%, deep bite 13%, dental midline displacement 6%, frontal openbite 12% and anterior crossbite 5%. Anthropoid spaces were observed in 85% of the children, while over 60% had spacing in the incisor region. Straight terminal plane of the deciduous second molars was diagnosed in 53% of the children, mesial step in 43% and distal step occlusion in one percent of the children. The results suggest a need for interceptive orthodontic treatment in some of the children.