Phd in INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN DISEASES OF
SKELETON, SKIN AND ORO-CRANIOFACIAL DISTRICT

Thesis title: DISFUNZIONI RESPIRATORIE E MALOCCLUSIONI IN ETA’ PEDIATRICA ESPERIENZA CLINICA UOC ODONTOIATRIA PEDIATRICA: STUDIO PILOTA

This study explores the relationship between respiratory dysfunctions, allergic rhinitis, sleep-disordered breathing, and malocclusions in children, emphasizing their mutual influence on craniofacial development. Conducted on a sample of 86 pediatric patients (aged 6–12 years) from the Pediatric Dentistry Unit of Sapienza University of Rome, the research assessed the correlation between mouth breathing, allergic rhinitis, and occlusal alterations. Results revealed a high incidence of malocclusions among patients with allergic rhinitis and mouth breathing: 72% showed malocclusion associated with mouth breathing, while 58% of those with allergic rhinitis exhibited occlusal problems. The most frequent malocclusions were anterior open bite (85%), posterior open bite (95%), deep bite (75%), and unilateral or bilateral cross-bite (90–95%). Personalized therapeutic protocols, including Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) and elastodontic appliances, led to significant improvements in both respiratory function and occlusal balance. The findings highlight the importance of an integrated multidisciplinary approach involving dentistry, allergology, and otolaryngology, as well as the need for early diagnosis to prevent functional and structural alterations of the orofacial complex.