Aim
To determine occlusion and occlusal characteristics of the primary dentition in North Indian school-going children of East Lucknow region.
Study design
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 453 participants in the age group of 3–6 years.
Methods
Participants were selected randomly and occlusal relationship was assessed based on Baume’s classification. Various other occlusal characteristics were also recorded and assessed based on clinical and photographic evaluation. The data were then subjected to statistical analysis.
Results
Out of 453 participants examined, results revealed 62.3 % had flush terminal plane; 31.3 % mesial step molar relationship and 6.4 % distal step molar relationship. It was also observed that 91.6 % had Class I canine relationship, 93.4 % primate spaces, 69.5 % physiologic spaces. Amongst other occlusal characteristics, increased overbite and crowding were prevalent. Association of various occlusal characteristics and oral habits with respect to primary molar relation was also assessed.
Statistics
Chi-square test was performed to carry out statistical analysis. p value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Conclusion
It was found that flush terminal plane relationship with spacing and Class I canine relationship predominated. Further prospective studies are required to provide an insight into patterns of occlusal relationship and its changes in Indian children.