Today, the overall distribution and severity of tooth decay among children are increasing at considerable rates. In addition to the main etiological factors, orthodontic status and harmful habits also impact caries risk levels. Mouth breathing, related to open bite, significantly enhances the predisposition of teeth to the initiation and progression of caries and periodontal disorders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate oral health status under conditions of mouth breathing, focusing on the role of an interdisciplinary healthcare approach.
A 9-year-old female with a history of diagnosed adenoid hypertrophy, staying and sleeping predominantly with an open mouth, was examined. The assessment of oral health status was based on epidemiological indices of caries, as well as conventional clinical indicators such as PLI, GI, PBI, and criteria for evaluating deviations from orthognathic occlusion. Caries risk levels were also assessed using a questionnaire.
A caries-non-resistant mixed dentition with a considerable number of active non-cavitated, cavitated, and complicated carious lesions was identified. The patient was diagnosed with generalized moderate plaque-induced gingivitis. Anamnestic data indicated uncontrolled sugar intake, unsatisfactory oral hygiene, and irregular dental visits, corresponding to a definitively high caries risk.
The common health condition of adenoid hypertrophy necessitates consultation with a specialist in otorhinolaryngology. The associated symptom of mouth breathing requires collaboration with an orthodontist to improve oral health status and, consequently, the quality of life.
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