Prevalence of Malocclusion among Schoolchildren in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of malocclusion varies from one region to another and among different age groups and ethnicities. According to the World Health Organization, malocclusion is the third most common abnormal dental condition. AIM: This study aims to establish the prevalence of malocclusion among schoolchildren in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Saudi schoolchildren, 12-15 years of age, of both genders, randomly selected from 15 schools in different regions of Makkah. Molar and canine relationships were examined, in addition to traits such as crowding, spacing, overjet, overbite, cross-bite, scissor bite, and maxillary diastema. RESULTS: The most prevalent molar relationship was Class I (52.3%), followed by Class II (25%), and Class III (20.5%). Crowding was the most prevalent malocclusion trait (74%), and scissor bite was the least common (2.5%). A statistically significant difference was found between males and females in most of the recorded criteria (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Among schoolchildren in Makkah, Class I molar relationship was the most prevalent type of occlusion, and the most prevalent malocclusion trait was crowding.