Resumo

MORA PEREZ, Clotilde et al. Educational Intervention in 7- to 11-year-old Children with Malocclusions. Area VII, Cienfuegos. Medisur [online]. 2014, vol.12, n.6, pp. 843-850. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: according to the World Health Organization, malocclusions are the third health problem in the world; consequently their detection and proper treatment are a priority. Objective: to evaluate the outcome of an educational intervention in children with malocclusions caused by oral habits. Methods: a quasi-experimental study involving 52 children with malocclusions was conducted in an elementary school in Cienfuegos from September 2010 through June 2011. First, the diagnosis was established; subsequently the Nice Smile Program was implemented on a weekly basis and finally, the results of the educational, preventive and therapeutic actions targeted at children, parents and educators were evaluated in order to reduce malocclusions and their clinical manifestations. Results: the level of awareness in children, parents and educators increased significantly, and 64.6 % of dentomaxillofacial deformities (abnormal bilabial closure, increased overjet and open bite), was eradicated; hence, there was a reduction of children with malocclusions. Conclusion: the intervention was effective since it led to increased awareness about dentomaxillofacial deformities in children, parents and educators. In addition, it contributed to the eradication of this problem in children, and in general, to the improvement of the components of the stomatognathic system.

Palavras-chave : tooth abnormalities; self care; oral health; health education, dental; oral higiene.

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