The ecological crisis of the Aral Sea has led to a complex of adverse environmental factors, including water and soil salinization, contamination with pesticides and heavy metals, and frequent dust and salt storms. This study aims to investigate the influence of these specific environmental factors on the prevalence and structure of dentoalveolar anomalies (DAA) in children residing in the Aral Sea region. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 450 children aged 7 to 14 years from the Karakalpakstan region (main group) and 450 children from a conventionally clean area in the Tashkent region (control group). Clinical dental examinations were performed to assess the state of the dentoalveolar system using the Angle classification and other metric measurements. A questionnaire was used to collect data on residential history, dietary habits, source of drinking water, and prevalence of respiratory diseases. The results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of DAA in the main group (88.2%) compared to the control group (46.5%) (p < 0.001). The structure of anomalies in the Aral Sea region was dominated by sagittal anomalies (Class II and III malocclusion), vertical anomalies (deep bite and open bite), and dental crowding. A strong correlation was found between the presence of DAA and factors such as high water salinity, chronic exposure to dust storms, and a diet deficient in essential micronutrients. In conclusion, the complex environmental degradation in the Aral Sea region acts as a significant risk factor, contributing to the high prevalence and specific patterns of dentoalveolar anomalies in the pediatric population. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, including early dental screening, nutritional support programs, and measures to improve water quality in the affected region.

Aral Sea region, environmental factors, dentoalveolar anomalies, malocclusion, children, ecological disaster, heavy metals, water quality, public health.

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