Otitis media with effusion and dental occlusion: is there any relationship?

AIM Auditory tube dysfunction is one of the aetiological causes of otitis media. Studies suggest a correlation between otitis media with effusion and dental malocclusion. Our goal was to determine any correlation between dental malocclusion and otitis media with effusion in children with chronic upper airway obstruction due to tonsil and adenoid enlargement. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study evaluated 52 children with otitis media with effusion and 48 without, aged 4.2 to 10.8 years. A questionnaire was answered by the parents about breast or bottle-feeding and bad oral habits. Malocclusion was diagnosed according to Angle's classification for molar relationships in Classes I, II and III, posterior and anterior cross bite, open and deep bite, and overjet. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results suggested no correlation between dental malocclusion and otitis media with effusion. Other potential confounders, such as breast or bottle- feeding and oral habits were also not correlated.