Prevalência de mordida cruzada posterior em escolares da rede pública de ensino da área de abrangência de um Centro de Saúde em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Malocclusions, because of their high prevalence, are considered a problem in public health. Between those of greatest frequency are the posterior cross bites. Based in the undesirable consequences and in the potential of asymmetric craniofacial growth that they can produce, this study had the purpose of evaluating the prevalence and the different kinds of posterior cross bites in students of the public schools of the comprised area of the Centro de Saúde São Jorge, Belo Horizonte city, MG, Brazil. There were 485 students evaluated, by one examiner, under natural illumination. The results that were found showed that posterior cross bite prevalence was 19,4%, 94 cases of the 485 examined , from those 10,7% were male and 8,7% female. From this amount 83% presented unilateral posterior cross bite, the right side was the most predominant (58,5%) and 17% presented bilateral posterior cross bite. The significant presence of the malocclusion posterior cross bite in the analyzed sample suggests the necessity of investing in preventive measures. We propose to develop a work together with all the Equipe de Saúde da Família (Family Health Team) for the implementation of health promotion actions, primary prevention and precocious diagnosis of the posterior cross bite in order to reduce the incidence of this malocclusion and its consequences. So, within this proposal, we can have partnerships to have moments of information, workshops and other educational sources directed to all multidisciplinary team.