The Prevalence, Severity and Pattern of First Permanent Molars’ Dental Caries in Children Attending A Postgraduate Dental Hospital: A Retrospective Study
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.6
- Author:
Mariam N. Al Mansour
1
;
Manal Al Halabi
1
;
Iyad Hussein
1
;
Anas Salami
1
;
Amar H. Khamis
1
;
Mawlood Kowash
1
Author Information
1. Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dental caries, first permanent molar (FPM), DMFS index, pattern of dental caries, Dubai.
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2024;20(No.1):38-45
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: First permanent molars (FPMs) erupt early and their anatomy and location leave them susceptible to
dental caries. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence, severity and pattern of dental caries of
FPMs and investigate their relationship if any with demographics and medical health status of the partcipants. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. A sample of the digital case notes and radiographs of children
aged 5 to 12 years who attended the only postgraduate dental hospital in Dubai were accessed. The recorded data
included the children’s demographic variables and the carious status of each FPM as recorded in the notes on the
initial assessment. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted (P<0.05). Results: A total of 2984 FPMs were
obtained from the digital records of 774 children. Their mean age was 8.07 (±2.23) years and only those that met
the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries and mean Decayed Missing Filled
Surfaces of FPMs, were 42% and 0.3 (±0.04), respectively. The most prevalent decayed surface was the occlusal
(29.2%), followed by mesial, buccal, palatal/ lingual, distal surfaces (24.2 %; 6.6 %; 3.1 %; 2.3 %) respectively.
Children with medical problems and/or special needs had a significantly higher level of caries in the buccal surfaces
(12.3%) (P=0.042). Conclusion: Caries of FPMs in a sample of Dubai children studied was prevalent, especially in
those with special healthcare needs, thus indicating a necessity for targeted prevention and treatment focused on
these keystone teeth.
- Full text:11.2024my1710.pdf
