Correlation of Hypertrophic Adenoids and Tonsils with Craniofacial Growth, Occlusion, and Breathing Habit in 4-12-year-old Children.

Abstract

Aim and background: To evaluate and compare growth and development, breathing habit, and occlusion in children with and without hypertrophic adenoids and tonsils.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 78 participants, aged 4-12 years, with 52 children with adenoid/tonsillar hypertrophy (group I) and 26 healthy children (group II). For each participant, a detailed history of respiratory obstruction or infection was recorded, followed by an orthodontic evaluation. A lateral cephalogram was taken for airway space and cephalometric analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were computed using SPSS software version 21.

Results: Children with hypertrophic adenoids and tonsils showed a higher incidence of repeated tonsillitis (73.07%) and otitis media (17.3%). On assessing breathing patterns, 88.4% had the mouth breathing habit and 11.5% had the oronasal breathing habit. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On intergroup comparison, there was a statistically significant difference observed in cephalometric and orthodontic parameters. A higher frequency of lip incompetency, constricted maxillary arch, class II molar relationship, and the posterior crossbite was observed in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Children in group I reported increased overjet (4.9 ± 2.0), increased mandibular plane angle (28.8 ± 3.1), and decreased posterior facial height (61.8 ± 6.1) with a dolichofacial profile (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Adenoid or tonsillar hypertrophy in children results in altered skeletal growth patterns, showing a higher tendency of increase in anterior facial height, dolichofacial profile, change in breathing patterns, and malocclusion in children.

Clinical significance: Hypertrophic adenoids and tonsils are the most common cause of respiratory obstruction in children. Such cases, if diagnosed at an early stage, can be dealt with in a holistic approach to not only intervene but also prevent growth-related problems in children.

How to cite this article: Jaiswal V, Deshpande AN, Shah Y, et al. Correlation of Hypertrophic Adenoids and Tonsils with Craniofacial Growth, Occlusion, and Breathing Habit in 4-12-year-old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(7):792-798.