Correlation between palatal depth and duration of upper airway obstruction since diagnosis in children

Objective: To analyze the correlation between palatal depth and duration of the upper airway obstruction since diagnosis among children with habitual mouth breathing. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using the consecutive sampling method on boys and girls who were habitual mouth breathers and presented with allergic rhinitis, adenoid hypertrophy, obstructive sleep apnea, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyp. Information about the duration of upper airway obstruction was obtained from the medical records of the patients. The patients divided into two groups: those diagnosed with upper airway obstruction for < 4 years, and those diagnosed with upper airway obstruction for > 4 years. Hard palate measurements were obtained from upper arch study models using a caliper with a precision of ± 0,1 mm. Results: A strong positive correlation was noted between the duration of the upper airway obstruction since diagnosis and palatal depth in children (r=0.623; p<0.05). Furthermore, the depth of the palates was found to be greater than 40 mm when the duration of upper airway obstruction since diagnosis was more than four years. Conclusion: The finding of this study indicates that upper airway obstruction can result in high palates in children with habitual mouth breathing.