The epidemiology of malocclusion and the need for orthodontic care in Northern Labrador Inuit youth.

Abstract

Anthropological evidence suggests that the Inuit population originated in northeastern China. They arrived in North America by crossing the Bering land bridge from Siberia around 11,000 years ago. The timing of this migration may have been different from that of the American Indian. The Thule culture was the ancestor to the present day Inuit. Thules successfully spread to Alaska in the west and to Greenland in the east by around 1300 AD. Therefore, the Inuit race is basically the same across the arctic except for slight differences noted in the Aleut in the Aleutian Islands. Although there is considerable Caucasian admixture today, a characteristic Inuit growth pattern and facial morphology still exists. A deterioration in dental health has occurred since contact with the Western World. The incidence of dental caries is still presently relatively high. Malocclusion has also increased but has been inadequately reported. The prevalence of occlusal disharmony in the Inuit has increased from 11% in 1925 to 82% in 1971. The Inuit are presently struggling for autonomy and land ownership. A number of social and health problems have resulted that seem to be present in many circumpolar regions. Active health-care delivery, involving more native participation, would be a more effective way to combat present health problems.