Syed Ameer Hamza, Arsalan Wahid, Mian Farrukh Imran, Khaled Khalaf, Syed Akhtar Hussain Bokhari.
Exploring the Relationship of Anterior Crowding and Oral Hygiene: a Pilot Study.
J Pak Dent Assoc Jan ;28(2):78-84.

OBJECTIVE: Poor oral health is not uncommon among the population of Pakistan. Malocclusion may be one of the causes known so far. This study has evaluated the association of anterior teeth crowding with plaque, bleeding on probing and gingivitis and has noted the trend in families. METHODOLOGY: Eleven families comprising of 41 members aged 30.3+-15.3 (12-55) years were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Crowding of anterior teeth (canine-canine) of upper and lower jaws was recorded on study casts. Oral hygiene parameters of plaque, bleeding on probing and gingivitis were noted for the anterior teeth. Variables were analyzed in means and percentages and study participants were compared for differences in study parameters using the t-test and Chisquired test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.050. RESULTS: Forty eight percent showed severe crowding, 34% had severe plaque, 100% showed mild to moderate gingivitis, 24% exhibited bleeding on probing. Significant difference (p=0.003) was noted among orthodontic cases and family members. No significant difference was observed between inter- and intra-family regarding oral hygiene parameters. Comparison between parents and siblings showed no difference in all study parameters. CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between the presence of anterior crowding and gingival index. This study has supported the notion that an association exists between crowding of anterior teeth and gingivitis.

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