Pattern of distribution of dental caries in first and second primary molars

Abstract

Objective: The study determined the distribution pattern of dental caries among patients attending the paediatric dental  clinic and evaluated the susceptibility of first and second primary molars to dental caries

Methods: This  retrospective study was carried out using the dental records of patients who attended the Paediatric dental clinic, Lagos  State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, from January 2018 to May 2022. Demographic data, caries presentation,  diagnosis and treatment were collected from patient records. Information about carious teeth, the arch location, and  the tooth type was also recorded. Data were inputted and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences  (SPSS) software, version 20 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Descriptive statistics were used to quantify age, gender, and  carious teeth. Results were presented as tables and charts. Mean and Standard deviation were calculated.

Results: The  prevalence of caries was 52.4% in a study population of 410 children. The most commonly affected arch was the  mandible with 341 (54.8%) teeth. The lower right first primary molar accounted for 73 (11.7%) teeth, followed by the  lower right second primary molar with 63 (10.1%) teeth. The commonest treatment done was extraction, carried out in  117 subjects

Conclusion: The pattern of presentation of caries was similar to other studies, with the molars in both  arches being the most affected and the least affected being the mandibular anterior teeth. The first primary mandibular  molar was the most susceptible tooth, followed by the second primary mandibular molar. This is a good indication for  the provision of targeted preventive measures, such as placing fissure sealants as soon as they erupt.