In this study the occlusal characteristics of the deciduous dentition
in a sample of young children were investigated to determine whether c
onsensual trends exist, and if the occlusal characteristics in the pri
mary dentition may be considered as acceptable predictors for occlusal
relationships in the permanent dentition. Four hundred and seven boys
and three hundred and eighty-two girls aged 4-6 years participated in
the epidemiological study. Recording of the occlusal traits was made
according to the method described by the Federation Dentaire Internati
onale in 1973, adapted to the primary dentition. Lack of space was fre
quent (24 per cent in the upper anterior segments), as well as lateral
crossbites (16 per cent), excessive overjet of 6 mm or more (6 per ce
nt), Class II relationships (26 per cent) and anterior open bites (37.
4 per cent). Obvious similarities could be seen with other investigati
ons on occlusal traits of the primary dentition of Caucasian children.
Cross-comparison with available data suggest that the development of
the occlusion is a continuum for many aspects, with most of the major
occlusal trends characterizing the permanent dentition in Europoid pop
ulations detectable at early stages. The striking difference in the pr
imary dentition was the much higher prevalence of anterior open bites:
this is the only figure expected to decrease dramatically in the perm
anent dentition. With due reservation inherent to the nature of epidem
iological data on malocclusion and their interpretation, it is conclud
ed that, provided the patient's cooperation is satisfactory, early att
ention may be given to malocclusion, but should mainly be focused on l
ateral crossbites and sagittal malrelationships.