Prevalence of oral anomalies in schoolchildren between the age group of 5 and 14 years of Vadodara District

Introduction: Anomalies of the oral and dental structures can be isolated or represent a manifestation of a general disorder or a syndrome. Oral anomalies may lead to functional and aesthetic disorders, and their recognition contributes to early diagnosis and treatment planning. Hence, their recognition is of great significance for a timely and accurate diagnosis. Hence, the present study aimed to know the prevalence of oral anomalies in school-going children. Aim: The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of oral anomalies in schoolchildren between the age group of 5 and 14 years located in Vadodara city. Methodology: The study was comprised of 7533 schoolchildren (male – 4211 and female – 3322) aged between 5 years and 14 years. All of the study participants underwent an oral screening examination for oral health and developmental anomalies. Results: Out of 7533 children, 65 (42 – male and 22 – female) had oral anomalies, with a prevalence of 0.86%. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth and fusion was 0.37% and 0.07%, respectively. Ankyloglossia showed an equal frequency in both sexes, with a prevalence value of 0.02%. The prevalence value of 0.10% and 0.06% was noted in talon's cusp and cleft lip and palate, respectively. With 0.03% prevalence, microdontia showed an equal sex predilection. With a prevalence value of 0.01%, the least common anomalies found here were geographic tongue, microdontia and temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Conclusion: Oral anomalies occur with different frequencies in many countries of the world amongst different ethnic or regional groups. Early identification of these anomalies is noteworthy in planning comprehensive management of the young child.