Relación del biotipo facial y hábitos bucales en niños con dentición mixta UCSG B-2025.

Abstract

Introduction: Dental malocclusion is the most common oral pathology, affecting 80% of the global pediatric population. It alters esthetics, function, and facial harmony into adulthood, leading to other conditions such as caries, gingivitis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, making chewing, biting, and speaking difficult. It is important to recognize the different facial biotypes, their causes, classification, and timely treatments in order to correct deformities and prevent alterations in later stages of life. Objective: To determine harmful oral habits and their relationship with facial biotype in pediatric patients with mixed dentition treated at the UCSG Dental Clinic during semester B-2025. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 45 pediatric patients. Children with mixed dentition and oral habits were included. Patients without oral habits, with permanent dentition, and those who were not treated at the Dental Clinic were excluded. Results: Of the 45 children who participated in this study, presenting one, two, or three habits, the predominant facial biotype was Dolichofacial (47%), followed by Mesofacial (33%) and Brachyfacial (20%). No significant alteration was found in relation to facial biotype and the habits presented; however, when compared with the current prevalence of these habits, significant changes were observed in facial biotype, symmetry, and the shape of the dental arches. Among the 26 patients with prolonged habits, 12 had a Dolichofacial biotype (2 severe), 8 were Mesofacial, and 6 were Brachyfacial (5 severe). Conclusion: We conclude that harmful oral habits produce mild changes in the child’s facial biotype and malocclusion; however, if these habits persist and are not corrected, they will cause significant changes, affecting the child’s oral structure.