Abstract

Introduction: Ambient air pollution exposure is significantly associated with increased posterior crossbite tendency. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to assess whether there was an association between exposure to ambient air pollution and skeletal and dental measurements of vertical and transverse dimension among adolescents in a clinical cohort in Southern California, and to determine what methods may be best suited for use in future research. Materials and Methods: 179 subjects’ addresses were geocoded and ambient air pollution exposure was calculated based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) air quality and emissions databases. Vertical and transverse measurements made from subjects’ initial lateral cephalometric radiographs and study models were recorded for comparison of dental and skeletal morphology. In addition, residential history and other factors were evaluated by questionnaire to account for potential confounding variables. Statistical Analysis: Pearson’s r correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to adjust for confounding variables within our model and determine if an association existed between the pollution metrics and dental outcome variables.

Results: At a statistically significant level, a small negative association exists between pollution metrics: O3, PM2.5 NAA, PM2.5 N24HA and Molar Relation. Ethnicity, gender, indoor heating, and thumb-sucking were identified as significant confounding variables for inclusion in our model. Conclusions: Increased exposure to ambient air pollution results in a decrease in Molar Relation (greater crossbite tendency). More research is needed to determine the strength of this relationship and develop a model for predicting a patient’s risk of developing a respiratory-related malocclusion.

LLU Discipline

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Department

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

School

School of Dentistry

First Advisor

Leggitt, V. Leroy

Second Advisor

Caruso, Joseph M.

Third Advisor

Farrage, James

Fourth Advisor

Oyoyo, Udochukwu

Fifth Advisor

Soret, Samuel

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2011

Date (Title Page)

9-2011

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Air Pollution - Adverse Effects; Inhalation Exposure - Adverse Effects; Vertical Dimension; Mallocclusion - Etiology; Mouth Breathing - Complications; Nasal Obstruction - Complications

Subject - Local

Posterior Crossbite Tendency; Molar Relation; Respiratory-related Malocclusion; Intraoral Equilibrium

Type

Thesis

Page Count

103

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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