The effect of dental overbite on eustachian tube dysfunction in Iranian children

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between deep dental overbite and eustachian tube dysfunction. Methods: It was designed as a case-control study. Among hospitalized patients in otolaryngology department at Taleghani Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from January to December 2005, 132 patients between the ages of 2 and 6 years were recruited. Dental overbite, overjet, and occlusal relationships were measured by one observer. Eustachian tube dysfunction was defined as having ventilation tubes with an abnormal tympanometry. In addition, demographic information, medical and social histories were prospectively recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used. Results: In a multivariate model, children with deep bites were 10.6 times more likely to have eustachian tube dysfunction than those without deep bites (P < 0.05). Other independent risk factors for eustachian tube dysfunction identified in this model were family history of otitis media, daycare exposure, and non-breast-feeding. Conclusions: Children with deep dental overbites are at a significantly increased risk for developing eustachian tube dysfunction. © 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.