RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MALOCCLUSION AND DENTAL CARIES IN ADOLESCENCE VISITING IN DENTAL TEACHING HOSPITAL PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion and dental caries are among the most common oral health issues affecting adolescents globally. Malocclusion, defined as irregular alignment or positioning of the teeth and jaws, can create favorable conditions for plaque retention, thereby increasing the risk of dental caries. Despite global studies highlighting this association, limited evidence exists from Pakistan, particularly within the adolescent population of Peshawar. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusion and dental caries in adolescents attending the orthodontic ward of Sardar Begum Dental Hospital, Peshawar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 495 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to assess malocclusion, while dental caries were recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA were used for analysis. Results: The findings showed that 57.6% of participants had very severe malocclusion requiring mandatory treatment, while only 6.7% had no caries experience. The mean DMF score was 5.52 and the mean DAI score was 25.37. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between increasing malocclusion severity and higher DMFT scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study confirmed a strong positive association between malocclusion and dental caries among adolescents in Peshawar. The findings highlight the importance of early orthodontic assessment, enhanced oral hygiene education, and integration of preventive strategies in public health programs to mitigate the growing burden of oral diseases in adolescents.