Occlusal characteristics in primary dentition of preschool children of navi mumbai: a observational cross sectional study

Background: The occlusal characteristics vary among different populations and ethnic groups. Any deviations in occlusion in primary dentition would be carried to succeeding permanent dentition and to a more pronounced degree. Therefore, it is important to know the occlusion in primary dentition as it helps to predict the occlusion in permanent dentition. To assess the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition and differenceAim: in various parameters in children between 3 to 5 years of age. Each child was examined with teeth in centric occlusion withMethods and Material: the aid of mouth mirror and probe in natural light by a single examiner. Frequency distribution was done with Chi square test using SPSS 21 software. Mesial step was the most prevalent molar relationship. It was seen in 57.5% of subjects on right side and 53.5% on left side.Results: Percentage distribution of canine relationship was 70.3% and 89.0% in Class I and Class II respectively. 56.5% of children had normal overbite, 24.0% had increased overbite, 15.3% had edge-to-edge bite and 4.3% had open bite. The prevalence of normal overbite was observed in 56.5% of population. Early detection of any dental abnormalities will help us provide a more comprehensive treatment to the child.