The effect of dental overbite on eustachian tube dysfunction in Iranian children

Craniofacial shape in children with and without a positive otitis media history

OBJECTIVES

Past studies using traditional morphometric approaches have reported a handful of differences in craniofacial dimensions between individuals with and without otitis media (OM). In this study, a geometric morphometry (GM) approach was used to determine if craniofacial shape is different among children with no history of OM and a history of recurrent acute OM (RAOM) at two different ages.

METHODS

Nineteen standard landmarks were identified on lateral cephalometric radiographs from 79 children (41 Control, 38 RAOM) at 4 years and 52 children (27 Control, 25 RAOM) at 6 years of age. Following Procrustes superimposition of the landmark coordinate data, comparisons of group differences in overall size and shape were performed. Discriminant function analysis and principal component analysis were used to determine which, if any, aspects of shape variation distinguished RAOM from Control groups.

RESULTS

At 4 years of age, craniofacial size and shape were significantly different between RAOM and Control groups (p<0.05). Shape differences were evident in the relative positions of the mandible, cranial base, external acoustic meatus, sphenoid and palate. Those shape differences were not found in the 6-year old group.

CONCLUSIONS

At 4 years of age, the RAOM and Control groups have distinct craniofacial morphologies, but by 6 years of age these differences have largely disappeared. This is consistent with the clinical observation that excess RAOM risk resolves around 6 years of age and the hypothesis that this resolution is partially a result of age-related craniofacial changes.

Correlation between otitis media and dental malocclusion in children

AIM

To determine the possible correlation between otitis media and dental malocclusion in children.

METHODS

Fifty subjects (26 males and 24 females; mean age: 7.8 +/- 1 years) were assessed: 25 patients, with otitis media formed the study group, while 25 healthy subjects formed the control group. An otolaryngological examination and dental cast measurements were performed in order to evaluate adenoids, tonsils and dental relationships, respectively.

RESULTS

A significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between otitis media and enlargement of adenoids (13 patients, 52% in the study group) and tonsils (11 patients, 44% in the study group). Furthermore, a significant predominance (p<0.05) of posterior crossbite was found in the study group (19 children, 76%), in comparison to the control group (4 children, 16%). No correlation between otitis media and overjet, overbite, Angle Class relationship, or inadequate oral habits were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior cross-bite and adenoids-tonsils enlargement are factors significantly associated with otitis media in children.