Association of malocclusions in the smile zone and periodontal disease

Aim: This epidemiological study evaluated the association of malocclusions in the smile zone and periodontal disease. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 700 adolescents aged 15 to 19. The occlusal conditions assessed were overjet, overbite, mandibular crowding, and spacing. Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) determined the presence of periodontal disease. The variables were analyzed using a simple logistic regression model, estimating raw odds ratios. Variables with P<0.20 in simple analyses were tested in multiple regression models. Only the variables with P≤0.05 remained in the final adjusted model after adjusting for the other model variables. Estimating adjusted odds ratios with the respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: Periodontal disease was significantly associated with crowding in the anteroposterior region (OR= 1.97; 95% CI: 1.08-3.59), as well as with the presence of open bite (OR= 4.11; 95% CI: 1.57-10.76). Conclusions: Malocclusions in the smile’s esthetic zone are associated with periodontal disease. Mandibular crowding and anterior open bite increase the risk of periodontal disease.