Longitudinal study of prolonged breast- or bottle-feeding on dental caries in Japanese children

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of prolonged breast- or bottle-feeding on dental caries in Japanese infants. This longitudinal study was conducted by means of a questionnaire and clinical examination of 592 children at 18 months, 2 years and 3 years of age. The children were divided into three groups: 1) children still being breast-fed at 18 months of age (n=42); 2) children still being bottle-fed at 18 months of age (n=45); and 3) children weaned off of breast- or bottle-feeding and with no nonnutritive-sucking habits at 18 months of age (n=205). Results showed that breast-feeding at 18 months of age produced many significant differences to the control children, including a higher prevalence of caries and higher number of dft. However, no significant differences were observed between bottle-fed and control children. In conclusion, our results suggest that prolonged breast-feeding at an early age before primary dentition has fully erupted is a risk factor for dental caries. Therefore, breast-fed children need to be monitored more closely, and aggressive methods of preventive care need to be instituted. It is also important to identify factors related to dental caries among breastfed children as soon as possible, and develop effective preventive programs.     

Caries and its association with infant feeding and oral health-related behaviours in 3-4-year-old Brazilian children

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationships between socio-demographic factors, infant feeding habits, oral hygiene and the prevalence and patterns of caries in Brazilian 3-4-year-olds. METHODS: Systematic random sampling was used to select children enrolled in municipal nurseries in Araraquara, Brazil, in 1998. Clinical examinations were carried out by one examiner using dmft and dmfs indices and WHO criteria. Questionnaires for information related to the socio-demographic background, oral hygiene and dietary history of the children were completed by their mothers. RESULTS: Caries was seen in 46% of the children; 17% of them had the more extensive pattern involving molars and incisors. Social class, mother's education, and age at which breast-feeding terminated showed statistically significant associations with caries. Feeding bottles with added sugars were still being given to 80% of the children. When the significant variables were taken into account only age at which breast-feeding terminated showed a significant relationship to the pattern of disease. Children who were never breast-fed or were breast-fed beyond the age of 24 months had a higher prevalence of the more extensive pattern of caries. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the length of time a mother breast-feeds and extensive caries should be a consideration in any local infant feeding policies or health promotion strategies. The duration for appropriate breast- or bottle-feeding should be emphasised.     

Effects of oral habits' duration on dental characteristics in the primary dentition.

BACKGROUND: Studies dating to the 1870s have demonstrated that long-term nonnutritive sucking habits may lead to occlusal abnormalities, including open bite and posterior crossbite. However, little is known as to whether habits of shorter durations have lasting effects. METHODS: The authors collected longitudinal data on nonnutritive sucking among children through a series of questionnaires regularly completed by parents. Researchers examined the children at ages 4 to 5 years and obtained study models. The models were measured for dental arch parameters (including arch width, arch length and arch depth) and assessed for overjet, overbite and posterior crossbite. The authors compared the dental arch and occlusal conditions among groups of children with nonnutritive sucking habits of different durations. RESULTS: Children with nonnutritive sucking habits that continued to 48 months of age or beyond demonstrated many significant differences from children with habits of shorter durations: narrower maxillary arch widths, greater overjet and greater prevalence of open bite and posterior crossbite. In addition, compared with those who ceased their habit by 12 months of age, those with habits at 36 months of age had significantly greater mandibular canine arch widths, maxillary canine arch depths and overjet, while those with habits at 24 months and 36 months had significantly smaller palatal depths. Prevalence of anterior open bite, posterior crossbite and excessive overjet (> 4 millimeters) increased with duration of habits. CONCLUSIONS: While continuous nonnutritive sucking habits of 48 months or longer produced the greatest changes in dental arch and occlusal characteristics, children with shorter sucking durations also had detectable differences from those with minimal habit durations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It may be prudent to revisit suggestions that sucking habits continued to as late as 5 to 8 years of age are of little concern.     

Sucking, chewing, and feeding habits and the development of crossbite: a longitudinal study of girls from birth to 3 years of age

The prevalence of posterior crossbite among pacifier-sucking girls in Falk?ping, Sweden, was previously found to be 26%. The aim of this investigation was to follow the development of crossbites in pacifier suckers and to determinate the possibility of reducing the prevalence of crossbite by informing and instructing the parents about sucking habits and reducing the time the child has the pacifier in the mouth. Parents of 60 consecutively born girls belonging to St Olof's health district, Falk?ping, Sweden, were invited to take part in the study. All parents agreed to participate. Five interviews or examinations of each girl took place from birth until 3 years of age. Fifty-four (90%) of the 60 girls were breast-fed. The mean duration of breast-feeding was 8 months, and 67% of the girls were breast-fed for half a year or more. Forty-three children (72%) developed a pacifier-sucking habit, 6 (10%), a digit-sucking habit, and 11 (18%), no sucking habits. The mean duration of breast-feeding was longer for the nonsuckers (11 months) than for the pacifier- and digit-sucking children (5 months). Of the 39 girls who still had the pacifier habit at 3 years of age, 2 had developed a posterior crossbite. Another girl stopped the habit when a crossbite was registered at the 2 1/2-year examination. At the next appointment, the crossbite had corrected itself spontaneously. One of the 2 girls with crossbite at 3 years of age developed a prenormal occlusion with both anterior and posterior crossbites. For 12 more pacifier suckers, an interfering contact was noted with a forced guidance of the mandible and a midline shift. In all 12 cases, the interfering teeth were primary canines. We conclude that parents should be instructed to reduce the "in the mouth time" of the pacifier. The transverse occlusal relationship in pacifier-sucking children should be evaluated between 2 and 3 years of age. If interfering contacts of the primary canines exist, the parents should be instructed to reduce the pacifier-sucking time.     

Duration of nutritive and nonnutritive sucking behaviors and their effects on the dental arches in the primary dentition.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the duration of nutritive and nonnutritive sucking behaviors and various occlusal characteristics in the primary dentition. Sucking behavior data were collected on 372 children followed longitudinally from birth by using periodic questionnaires completed by parents. Study models were obtained from the children at 4 to 5 years of age and assessed for posterior crossbite, anterior open bite, and overjet. Dental arch parameters including arch widths, arch lengths, and arch depths were measured directly from the models. The subjects were grouped according to type of habit (pacifier or digit) and duration of nonnutritive sucking behaviors (less than 12, 12 to 24, 24 to 36, 36 to 48, and more than 48 months). Children with nonnutritive sucking of less than 12 months were further grouped according to the duration of breast-feeding. The dental arch and the occlusal characteristics were then compared among these groups. The results indicated no relationship between duration of breast-feeding during the first year of life and any dental arch or occlusal parameters. The study found that prolonged pacifier habits resulted in changes to the dental arches and the occlusal parameters that were different from the effects of digit sucking. In addition, some changes in the dental arch parameters and occlusal characteristics (eg, prevalence of posterior crossbite and increased amount of overjet) persisted well beyond the cessation of the pacifier or digit habit. Although further study is needed to determine the effects of nonnutritive sucking behavior in the mixed dentition, the results suggest that current recommendations for discontinuing these habits may not be optimal in preventing habit-related malocclusions.     

Longitudinal study on influence of prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits on dental caries in Japanese children from 1.5 to 3 years of age

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between infant sucking habits and the prevalence of caries in Japanese preschool children.The study was designed as a prospective, longitudinal study starting with 592 children aged 18 months. Information on sucking habits and patterns of feeding was collected from parents in the form of a questionnaire. Children who continued breastor bottle-feeding at 18 months of age were eliminated prior to the evaluations. The children were divided into 3 groups according to their sucking habits at 18 months of age: Group 1: children with a finger-sucking habit (n=151); Group 2: children who used a pacifier (n=45) and Group 3: children with no oral habit (n=205). Clinical examinations were carried out by one of the authors.Mean dft and prevalence of caries were not statistically significant among the 3 groups at 18 months of age. However, only 10.6% of the children in Group 1 exhibited caries at 36 months of age, compared with 17.1% in Group 3 and 24.4% in Group 2. Group 1 children showed the smallest mean dft at 0.30 among the 3 groups at 36 months of age, and those in Group 2 showed 1.18; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.01).The results suggest that children with a finger-sucking habit are more likely to be free of caries by the age of 3. However, use of pacifier at 18 months of age is a potential risk factor for the development of dental caries in children.     

Feeding and nonnutritive sucking habits and prevalence of open bite and crossbite in children/adolescents with Down syndrome

Objective:To analyze the influence of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and nonnutritive sucking habits on the prevalence of open bite and anterior/posterior crossbite in children with Down syndrome (DS).Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out in 112 pairs of mothers/children with DS between 3 and 18 years of age at a maternal/children''s hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The children with DS were clinically examined for the presence of open bite as well as anterior and posterior crossbite. Information on breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and nonnutritive sucking habits was collected using a structured questionnaire. The control variables were age and mouth posture of children/adolescents and mother''s schooling. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.Results:The prevalence of anterior open bite was 21%, anterior crossbite was 33%, and posterior crossbite was 31%. The use of bottle feeding for more than 24 months (prevalence ratio [PR]  =  1.6) was associated with the occurrence of open bite. Having breastfed for less than 6 months (PR  =  1.4) and pacifier sucking for more than 24 months (PR  =  3.1) were associated with the prevalence of anterior crossbite. Finger sucking (PR  =  2.9) and the use of bottle feeding for more than 24 months (PR  =  2.6) were associated with posterior crossbite.Conclusion:The prevalence of open bite and crossbite in children with DS was associated with the use of bottle feeding and pacifier sucking for more than 24 months, breastfeeding for less than 6 months, and finger sucking.     

Effects of nonnutritive sucking habits on occlusal characteristics in the mixed dentition

PURPOSE: Little is known about the extent to which nonnutritive sucking habits contribute to malocclusion in the mixed dentition. The purpose of this study was to report on the relationship between certain occlusal traits in the mixed dentition and longitudinal sucking behaviors. METHODS: Dental examinations were conducted on 630 children in the mixed dentition who participated in a large, ongoing longitudinal study. Five hundred eighty consented to impressions, and 524 adequate study models were obtained. Of these, 444 also had adequate longitudinal nonnutritive sucking data obtained via mailed questionnaires to parents at 3- to 6-month intervals from birth to 8 years. Sucking behaviors were grouped by predominant type and duration. Study models were hand articulated using wax bites to evaluate the occlusion for the presence of open bite, crossbite, molar relationship, and excessive overjet. Bivariate statistical analyses related presence of these malocclusions to sucking duration and type. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the children had malocclusions (anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, bilateral Class II molar relationship, or overjet >4 mm). Class II molar relationship was most common (30%). Overall, anterior open bite and posterior crossbite was associated with habits of 36 months or more. Sustained pacifier habits, including those of 24 to 47 months, were associated with anterior open bite and Class II molar relationships, while digit habits were associated with anterior open bite when sustained for 60 months or longer. CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusions are quite prevalent in the mixed dentition, and anterior open bite and posterior crossbite may be preventable by modifying nonnutritive sucking behaviors.     

Prevalence and determinant factors of malocclusion in children with special needs

Careful attention to malocclusion in children with special needs leads to a considerable improvement in the quality of life. The present study analysed the prevalence of malocclusion in children with Down syndrome (DS) and cerebral palsy (CP) as well as associations with individual, socio-economic, and behavioural factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out that included 181 mothers and their children with DS and CP (aged 3-12 years) at two institutions for individuals with special needs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to the mothers and a dental examination of the children. Clinical examination recorded the following: anterior/posterior crossbite and anterior openbite (AOB). The control variables were the mother's level of education as well as the gender and age of the child. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. An anterior crossbite was present in 20.4 percent, a posterior crossbite in 21.5 percent, and an AOB in 29.8 percent. The presence of DS, bottle feeding, and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more was determinant factors for an anterior crossbite and the presence of DS, bottle feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more, and respiratory infection in the previous 6 months was determinant factors for a posterior crossbite. The presence of CP and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more was determinant factors for an AOB. Thus, the prevalence of malocclusion in children with special needs was associated with the type of disability, use of bottle feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits for 24 months or more, and respiratory infection in the previous 6 months.     

Early risk factors for posterior crossbite and anterior open bite in the primary dentition

Objective:To investigate risk factors specific to posterior crossbite and anterior open bite at the age of 3 years.Materials and Methods:The study included 422 children of the French EDEN mother-child cohort. The main outcomes were the presence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite assessed by dentists at 3 years. Social characteristics (collected during pregnancy), neonatal characteristics (collected at birth), duration of breast-feeding (collected prospectively), sucking habits at 3 years, and open lips (as a proxy for mouth breathing) were studied and two logistic regressions conducted.Results: Preterm birth appears to be a risk factor specific for posterior crossbite (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.13–8.68), whereas small for gestational age seems to be associated with a lower risk of posterior crossbite (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.12–0.87). Ongoing pacifier or thumb sucking at 3 years is a risk factor for both posterior crossbite and anterior open bite.Conclusions: Children born preterm seem to be more at risk for posterior crossbite than those born at term. Different mechanisms may be involved in posterior crossbite and anterior open bite.     

Sucking habits in childhood and the effects on the primary dentition: findings of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood

Introduction.  Most previous research on non-nutritive sucking habits has been cross-sectional in nature. This study determined the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits and the effects on the developing dentition within a longitudinal observational cohort.
Methods.  The Children in Focus group of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood study was studied. Questionnaire data on non-nutritive sucking habits were collected on the children at 15 months, 24 months, and 36 months of age. Dental examinations were performed on the same children at 31 months, 43 months, and 61 months of age.
Results.  At 15 months, 63.2% of children had a sucking habit, 37.6% used just a dummy, and 22.8% used a digit. By 36 months, sucking had reduced to 40%, with similar prevalence of dummy and digit sucking. Both habits had effects on the developing dentition, most notably in upper labial segment alignment and the development of anterior open bites and posterior crossbites.
Conclusions.  The majority of children had non-nutritive sucking habits up until 24 months of age. Both digit and dummy sucking were associated with observed anomalies in the developing dentition, but dummy-sucking habits had the most profound influence on the anterior and posterior occlusions of the children.     

Association between early weaning, non-nutritive sucking habits and occlusal anomalies in 3-year-old Finnish children

Objectives, design and subjects . Earlier results on the effect of breastfeeding on the one hand, and non-nutritive sucking habits (pacifier and/or digit sucking) on the other, on the orofacial development of infants are inconclusive. Thus we studied the prevalence of malocclusions and their relationship to the duration of breastfeeding and to non-nutritive sucking habits in a group of randomly selected 3-year-old children ( n  = 148).
Results . Posterior crossbite was detected in 13%, anterior open bite in 18% and large overjet (> 3 mm) in 26% of the children. The proportion of children with anterior vertical open bite was significantly larger among children with non-nutritive sucking habits than among the other children ( P < 0·001). Neither posterior crossbite nor large overjet were associated with non-nutritive sucking habits. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 5·8 ± 3·6 months while that of total breastfeeding was 7·3 ± 3·8 months on average. The exclusive and total breastfeeding periods of children with posterior crossbite were both significantly shorter than those of the other children ( P < 0·01 and P  < 0·002, respectively). Children's height and weight were unrelated to the duration of breastfeeding or occlusal anomalies.
Conclusion . We suggest that an early introduction of bottlefeeding, indicating a pattern of low-impact muscular activity, may interfere with the normal development of alveolar ridges and hard palate, and hence lead to posterior crossbite.     

Feeding, artificial sucking habits, and malocclusions in 3-year-old girls in different regions of the world

PURPOSE: The way babies and young children are reared is important to their health and development. Extensive breast-feeding has also been shown to reduce the development of artificial sucking habits like digit or pacifier-sucking. The aim of this study was to determine feeding methods, artificial sucking habits, and the presence of malocclusions in 3-year-old girls living in different regions of the world. METHODS: Children from the following countries were involved in the present study: (1) Brazil (Porto Alegre); (2) Japan (Niigata); (3) Mexico (Mexico City); (4) Norway (Oslo); (5) Sweden (Falk?ping); (6) Turkey (Istanbul); (7) and the United States (Iowa City, Iowa). During the interview and examination, the following variables were evaluated and registered: (1) breastfeeding and bottle-feeding; (2) duration and frequency; (3) sucking habits; (4) posterior and anterior crossbites; and (5) other malocclusions/normal occlusion. RESULTS: The prevalence of breast-feeding was very high in all groups, ranging between 78% and 98%. The prevalence of bottle-feeding in the different areas was also high. Except for Iowa City, the prevalence of digit-sucking was relatively low. Pacifier-sucking is fairly popular in most areas, with the exception of Niigata. The prevalence of normal occlusion in different cities ranged from 38% to 98%. CONCLUSIONS: There are considerable differences in feeding, as well as artificial sucking habits, in different areas of the world and at different periods.     

Characteristics of breast-fed children with nursing caries

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and risk factors of prolonged breast-feeding in children. A total of 105 children aged 18 months were screened for ongoing breast-feeding at a public health center. Of these, 105 children were selected for a more comprehensive examination, involving investigation of dietary, tooth-brushing habits and oral hygiene. The children were examined again, and initial and manifest caries were recorded at 24 months of age. As a result, 20 (19.0%) of the 105 children had caries at 24 months of age. Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between caries and bedtime breast-feeding (p=0.003). Oral hygiene at 18 months of age was also correlated with caries (p=0.015). It was concluded that reducing the frequency of feeding, early establishment of good oral hygiene habits and also regular visits to the dentist are essential in preventing nursing caries in prolonged breast-fed children.     

Early childhood caries status and its associated factors among young children in a rural area of Cambodia

BackgroundThe purpose of this cross-sectional study was to measure prevalence and severity of early childhood caries (ECC), and its associated factors among 1- and 2-year-old children in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia.Materials and methodsData, from a representative sample of 128 children (69 males, 59 females; mean age = 22.98 ± 7.68 months), were collected at seven villages in Khpob Ta Nguon district, Kampong Cham province from May to October in 2018. The dental caries status was recorded following WHO guidelines. The socio-economic status, dietary habits and oral hygiene habits of the children were assessed through an interview questionnaire administered to their primary caregivers.ResultsECC prevalence was 50.0%. The mean dft was 2.46 ± 3.08, and 100% of cavitated lesions were untreated. A logistic regression revealed that 1-year-old children who continued night breast-feeding after 12 months were more likely to have ECC (OR = 5.32, 95%CI = 1.33–21.30), whereas the 2-year-old children who continued night breast-feeding beyond 12 months (OR = 13.36, 95%CI = 2.14–82.31), bottle-feeding after 12 months (OR = 6.10, 95%CI = 1.56–23.87), and children who did not adopt tooth brushing by the 1st birthday (OR = 32.23, 95%CI = 4.51–230.54) were more likely to have ECC.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that ECC prevalence and severity among this group of rural Cambodian children were high. Oral health programs focusing ECC prevention from an early age should be conducted in this population.     

Fluorosis risk in grade 2 students residing in a rural area with widely varying natural fluoride

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study was performed to determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis and the association between fluorosis and a number of risk factors in a group of second grade students in a rural, non-fluoridated area of Ontario, Canada. METHODS: Of 1739 students screened during routine health surveillance, 1367 had erupted maxillary central incisors. Fluorosis was scored on these children using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). A fluoride exposure questionnaire and water sample vial was sent home from school with each child. RESULTS: Valid responses were obtained for 752 children (55%). The prevalence of fluorosis in respondents was 23.3%, with 4.9% scoring TSIF of 2 or more. In bivariate analysis, several variables were significantly associated with the prevalence and/or severity of fluorosis. These included: water fluoride concentration, breast-feeding duration, professionally applied topical fluoride, fluoride supplement use, bottle-feeding, fluoridated mouthwash use, and early parental toothbrushing with toothpaste. In logistic regression analysis limited to children living at the current residence for 4 years or more, only four variables had significant independent effects. These were water fluoride concentration, breast-feeding duration, fluoride supplement use, and fluoridated mouthwash use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that fluorosis is an important concern in non-fluoridated areas. Fluoride supplements should not be recommended unless an independent home water test is performed. Breast-feeding for 6 months or more may protect children from developing dental fluorosis in the permanent incisors.     

Feeding habits and severe early childhood caries in Brazilian preschool children

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between the feeding practice and presence or absence of SECC (Severe Early Childhood Caries) in Brazilian preschool children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with male and female preschool children, aged 36 to 71 months, randomly selected from a low-income population. A 24-hour recall diary was used to assess data about infant feeding practices and dietary habits. The data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: SECC was observed in 36% of the children examined. Infant feeding practices showed the association between SECC and night-time breast-feeding (P = .02) or breast-feeding (P = .0004) in children older than 12 months of age. The use of a bottle at night as a substitute for the pacifier and its use on demand during the day were also correlated with SECC (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that night-time breast-feeding in children older than 12 months of age, the use of a bottle at night as a substitute for the pacifier, and use of the bottle on demand during the day are feeding practices correlated with the etiology of SECC.     

Association between breastfeeding duration,non-nutritive sucking habits and dental arch dimensions in deciduous dentition: a cross-sectional study

Background

This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted to determine association between breastfeeding duration, non-nutritive sucking habits, dental arch transverse diameters, posterior crossbite and anterior open bite in deciduous dentition.

Methods

415 children (228 males and 187 females), 4 to 6 years old, from a mixed Indian population were clinically examined. Based on written questionnaire answered by parents, children were divided into two groups: group 1 (breastfed for <6 months (n = 158)) and group 2 (breastfed for ≥6 months (n = 257)). The associations were analysed using chi-square test (P < 0.05 taken as statistically significant). Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to determine the strength of associations tested. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done for obtaining independent predictors of posterior crossbite and maxillary and mandibular IMD (Inter-molar distance) and ICD (Inter-canine distance).

Results

Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) was present in 15.18% children (20.3% in group 1 as compared to 12.1% in group 2 (P = 0.024)). The average ICD and IMD in maxilla and average IMD in mandible were significantly higher among group 2 as compared to group 1 (P < 0.01). In mandible, average ICD did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.342). The distribution of anterior open bite did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.865). The distribution of posterior crossbite was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.001). OR assessment (OR = 1.852) revealed that group 1 had almost twofold higher prevalence of NNS habits than group 2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the first group had independently fourfold increased risk of developing crossbite compared to the second group (OR = 4.3). Multivariate linear regression analysis also revealed that age and breastfeeding duration were the most significant determinants of ICD and IMD.

Conclusions

An increased prevalence of NNS in the first group suggests that NNS is a dominant variable in the association between breastfeeding duration and reduced intra-arch transverse diameters which leads to increased prevalence of posterior crossbites as seen in our study. Mandibular inter-canine width is however unaffected due to a lowered tongue posture seen in these children.     

Prediction of mandibular growth in children with anterior crossbite

The purpose of this study was to propose mathematical models for predicting mandibular growth direction and amount in children with anterior crossbite from 4 to 9 years of age using lateral cephalograms. Lateral cephalograms of 25 Japanese children with anterior crossbite at 4 years (T1) and 9 years (T2) were traced and measured. The measurements were performed on 18 angular and 13 linear measurements. Variation of the angle NSGn and the distance S-Gn were used to represent the variation of growth direction and amount, respectively. The data were analyzed statistically by multiple regression analysis. The analysis revealed 2 models for the prediction of the mandibular growth. The variation of the direction of mandibular growth can be predicted by 68% with the regression equation using the angles NSAr, Nasal floor to SN and SNA at T1. The variation of the amount of mandibular growth can be predicted by 69% with the regression equation using the distance Ar-Me, the angles Nasal floor to SN, NSBa and Interincisal angle at T1. The parameters for the mandibular growth prediction for crossbite children are different from those of children with normal occlusion. This study will be of great importance to predict future mandibular growth of children with anterior crossbite.