Evaluation of occlusion, trauma, and dental anomalies in African-American children of metropolitan Headstart programs.

493 African-American children between the ages of three and four years were examined for evaluation of molar occlusion with frequency of anterior and posterior crossbite, fractured and/or darkened teeth from trauma and dental anomalies in the primary dentition. Overall results from both age groups revealed 90% had a mesial step, 8% a flush and 2% a distal step molar occlusion. Crossbite, either anterior or posterior, occurred in 12% of all children examined. Posterior crossbite was seen in 7% and anterior crossbite in 5%. Anterior openbite was seen in 8% of the children. Trauma to the primary dentition occurred in 23% of the children, 16% as fractured and 7% as discolored teeth. The most frequently involved teeth were the maxillary primary central incisors. Fused primary teeth were observed in two children. There were no congenitally missing primary teeth and only one supernumerary maxillary primary lateral incisor was observed.